DIAMOND BAR, Calif.(Thechieftainspear) – A young father lost his life in a tragic car crash, leaving his loved ones heartbroken after a suspected drunk driver caused a deadly collision early on March 4.
The victim, 27-year-old Jesse Garza of Pomona, had just finished his shift at work and was on his way home when the crash occurred around 12:15 a.m. near North Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue—just minutes from his house.
Authorities said the impact of the crash involved three vehicles, with at least one car being split in half and debris littering the roadway. Garza was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver suspected of causing the crash, identified as 24-year-old Winston Jarrett Fairchild, was hospitalized with injuries.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating, but preliminary findings indicate that speed, alcohol, and running a red light may have contributed to the fatal wreck.
Garza’s wife, Regan Porter, recounted the horrifying moment she discovered the crash. “I saw the police tape, and then I saw his car bumper in the middle of the intersection,” she said tearfully. “I was on the phone with his brother and just said, ‘I think I found him.’”
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Loved ones described Garza as a devoted father and a hardworking provider for his family. A fundraising effort is underway to assist with funeral expenses and support his wife and their two young children.
“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community has been overwhelming,” said Vincent Garza, the victim’s father.
His mother, Vanessa Van Muysen, expressed her grief and frustration, stating that while she sympathizes with the suspect’s family, she believes he should face the full consequences of his actions. “Their son is still alive. They can hug him and talk to him, but my son will never come home again,” she said.
Fairchild was formally charged on March 6 with murder, DUI causing bodily injury, and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. He pleaded not guilty and is currently being held on $100,000 bail, with a court appearance set for March 27.
Garza’s parents hope their son’s story serves as a stark warning against drinking and driving. “It only takes one bad decision to change lives forever,” Van Muysen said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Garza’s family, and a car wash fundraiser is scheduled for March 8-9 at Gullien’s Central Liquor in Chino, where food and drinks will also be sold to raise funds .
