A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday on southbound I-805 near Camino De La Plaza, leaving a family in anguish and a community in shock. Abel Bermudez Griego, a 57-year-old father of six, was identified as the victim of the fatal wrong-way crash, according to FOX 5 San Diego.
Griego was driving southbound to Ensenada to visit his mother and to pick up his daughter for a weekend trip when his Honda van was struck head-on by an Audi sedan driving in the wrong direction. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a family shattered, as ABC 10 News reported.
Jorge Benitez, Griego's son, spoke about his father's impact on the family and the community, stating that the sudden loss "just flipped my family's world upside down." Griego, who resided in the City of La Puente, Los Angeles County, was a union interior construction worker. He was described as a caring father, husband, son, and brother, as his 34-year marriage and dedication to his children and grandchildren demonstrate his unwavering love and support for his family.
The driver of the Audi sedan, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Goneortiz, was reported to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter, as mentioned by NBC San Diego.
In an emotional statement, Jorge Benitez expressed his anger and frustration at the situation, saying, "When I heard it was due to negligence like that, I was angry, angry and rage." The family is now seeking justice for Griego and hopes to see the full extent of the law applied to the alleged drunk driver. As NBC San Diego reported, Goneortiz will face three felony charges, including DUI and gross vehicle manslaughter, in court on August 7, 2023.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the need for vigilance and caution on the part of drivers, as well as serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. In the wake of Griego's death, the family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses, as they struggle to cope with the sudden loss of their sole provider.
California Highway Patrol Sgt. Hope Maxson suggests that drivers should remain alert and aware, especially in the face of potential wrong-way drivers. "The safer place to be is normally the middle lanes because it tends to be that wrong-way drivers stick to the fast lane or the slow lane or the shoulders," Maxson said, per FOX 5 San Diego. She also urges drivers to maintain a safe speed and look as far down the freeway as possible to anticipate any risks.
Abel Bermudez Griego's cruel and untimely death is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by intoxicated drivers. His family's pain and suffering serve as a call for justice and a plea for others not to repeat the actions which led to this tragedy. It is essential that we all strive to prevent events like this by remaining vigilant and responsible on the roads, ensuring that no more families are shattered by such senseless acts.
