SoCal Mother, 3 Young Daughters Killed In 1-10 Crash

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Three young girls and their mother, along with two friends, were killed in a July 12 vehicle crash on Interstate 10 while returning to Riverside County.

The sisters were identified as Olivia Grace Perez, 12, Emalynn Marie Perez, 11, and Giana Rose Perez, 8. Their mother, Karly, along with longtime friend Heather Ventura and her young son Lucas Tejada, were also in the vehicle and died in the crash, according to media reports.

The Perez family were identified as Menifee residents, though the girls had attended school in the Beaumont Unified School District.

San Gorgonio Middle School principal Christopher Horton sent out a July 19 message to families.

"Dear Hurricane Families," the message began. "We are deeply saddened to share that three students who previously attended Sundance Elementary School tragically passed away along with their mother in an accident on July 12, 2024. The students' names are Olivia Grace Perez, Emalynn Marie Perez, and Giana Rose Perez. Olivia and Emalynn would have attended San Gorgonio Middle School this fall. Giana would have continued to the third grade at Sundance Elementary. All three daughters are survived by their father, Vicente Perez. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family."

Support services are being offered to students, the message read.

According to reports, the fatal crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. July 12 on I-10 in Quartzsite, Ariz., near Ramsey Mine Road. The Perezs, Ventura and her son died after their vehicle was rear-ended by a utility truck carrying an asphalt load. The group was returning home following a road trip to Texas.

"Our family is shattered by this heartbreaking event, and we are struggling to cope with the emotional and financial aftermath," according to a GoFundMe post penned by a man who identified as Karly's brother.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the site had raised more than $8,000.

Another GoFundMe post established by a man identifying as a co-worker and friend of the girls' father wrote, "To all - let's all come together and help our fellow friend/coworker Vicente going thru an extremely difficult time, his 3 beautiful daughters and ex wife have sadly passed away in a tragic accident this passed Friday. Please keep our friend, his family and all affected in your thoughts and prayers."

The site had raised more than $30,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Perez girls played softball and were also involved in dance.

On social media, the Menifee Girls Softball posted a tribute to the Perez family, saying in part, "Shy in nature, all three girls came to life on the softball field as they were surrounded by family, friends and teammates on both sides of the fence. They will be deeply missed by everyone."

According to the league, a candlelight vigil is planned at 7 p.m. July 24 at Menifee's Centennial Park, 3116 Shirehorse Way. Services will be held at 12 p.m. July 26 at St. Andrew Newman Center, 105 West Big Springs Road, Riverside.