Mariposa Fire Mountain Community Fire Information
Related Articles
As many celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, one family in Merced was mourning the loss of a young mother.
The Tapetillo family of Merced spoke with us exclusively on Sunday, and said Vanessa Tapetillo and her boyfriend, Juan Barragan, were the victims killed in a suspected DUI crash on Highway 99 in Chowchilla on Friday. Both Tapetillo and Barragan were 28-years old. The California Highway Patrol said 65-year old Bruce Erickson of Winton was allegedly driving drunk on Friday before 5pm, when he lost control of his 2012 Ford F-350 truck and collided with a 2015 Toyota Tacoma.
Patricia Tapetillo, one of Vanessa’s older sisters, said that Toyota Tacoma was Barragan’s.
CHP said Erickson also hit two other cars before the fatal crash and just kept going. They said he only suffered minor injuries. Erickson faces multiple charges, including felony DUI.
"Our lives changed, forever. The lives of my niece, of nephew, have changed forever," cried Patricia.
Patricia said Vanessa leaves behind a 10-year old son and a six-year old daughter.
"I can’t even express how proud I am of her, and the things that she’s accomplished. Because it’s tough being a single mom," said Patricia.
Crystal Tapetillo, another one of Vanessa’s sisters, said Vanessa and Barragan were on their way from Merced to Fresno to attend Crystal’s college graduation from Fresno Pacific University.
Crystal cried, "She was on her way over there to support me. And she never made it."
Crystal said Vanessa and Barragan were inseparable. She said it gives her some solace to know her sister didn’t die alone.
"They loved each other very much and they were planning a life together. They were both buying a house together, they were supposed to sign the papers this week and get the keys," commented Crystal.
The Tapetillo family said they don’t feel anger, but rather sadness, over the allegations that Erickson was drunk at the time of the crash.
Patricia said, "It’s not worth it. It’s not worth taking somebody’s life." She continued, "I mean, all we can do is continue being there for each other. And, it makes me really sad."
A Go Fund Me memorial account has been set up to raise money for Vanessa’s children.
Wanna Comment?