680 Crash Victims ID'd, Were En Route To Visit Dying Relative: Report

PLEASANTON, CA — New details have emerged regarding the Dec. 18 crash on 680 that killed three and injured five.

According to a report from KTVU, the family traveling in the Honda Pilot that spun out and fell down a 20-foot embankment after a tire blew out were en route to San Jose to visit one of the victim’s mothers, who was on her deathbed.

Family identified the victims as Josefa “Joanne” Chagolla, 62, whose mother was dying; and her granddaughters Evangelina Valenzuela Chagolla, 26, who leaves behind four young children, and Johnessa Espinoza, 21.

The Pilot in which they were traveling blew out its right rear tire near the Sunol-Castlewood exit of 680, according to a CHP report, though driver Anthony Chagolla’s sister Angelina told KTVU that he had recently put new tires on the car.

Chagolla steered to the left to avoid going down an embankment on the west shoulder. That caused his left side tires to ride up the concrete wall bordering the east side of the lanes. The car rode up the wall, and Chagolla lost control. The car veered to the right and crossed all lanes before traversing the right shoulder. It then flew over a sloped curb edge and hit a tree along the right shoulder then landed on an embankment and slid down roughly 20 feet to the base, according to a report from the Alameda County Fire Department.

Three were killed; Chagolla and two babies were taken to the hospital. Another person survived but suffered a broken pelvis, while another succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

A fundraiser from Joanne’s daughter–in-law Angelina is asking for help with funeral costs.

“I am coming with a heavy heart to ask for prayers, love and strength during the most darkest days of our lives,” Angelina wrote.

“Joanne had a beautiful soul that touched everyone she crossed [paths] with. Evee leaves behind 4 beautiful young children. Johnessa was young, brilliant and had a bright future ahead of her.”

RELATED:

• 3 Dead, 5 Injured As Car Flies Down 680 Embankment In Pleasanton