(Thechieftainspear) –Authorities have confirmed the identities of several victims in a devastating single-vehicle crash that occurred late Friday night in Santa Ana. The tragic incident, which left five dead and one teen critically injured, unfolded just before midnight on April 5 near West Segerstrom Avenue and South Townsend Street.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the car involved in the crash was carrying six individuals—one male and five females—when it lost control and struck a tree at high speed. The impact was so severe that at least two occupants were thrown from the vehicle, which sustained catastrophic damage and required firefighters to use a ladder to access.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Emanuel “Manny” Gonzalez Martines, was among those who died at the scene. Also killed were 20-year-old Aurelia “Arely” Robles, 17-year-old Natalia Vidal Zarate, and 16-year-old Jaqueline Torres Zarate. A fifth victim, a teenage girl who attended Carr Intermediate School, remains on life support and has been declared brain dead, authorities confirmed.
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Fifteen-year-old Arlene Robles, the younger sister of Arely Robles, was the sole survivor of the crash. She remains hospitalized in stable but critical condition and is expected to undergo surgery for multiple injuries. Her father shared the update with KTLA as the family continues to hope for her recovery.
All of the young people involved were reportedly friends and former classmates at Valley High School and Carr Intermediate School. A growing memorial at the crash site has become a place for community members, classmates, and relatives to leave flowers, candles, and messages in honor of the victims.
The name of the sixth person in the vehicle has not yet been publicly released.
While initial speculation suggested that alcohol or drug use might have contributed to the accident, officials say the cause remains under investigation. Santa Ana Police spokesperson Natalie Garcia noted that no conclusions have been drawn as detectives continue to gather evidence.
As the city of Santa Ana mourns the tragic loss of these young lives, the community remains united in grief and support for the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
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