Southern California(Thechieftainspear) – A Southern California family is mourning the tragic loss of two young siblings who died in a violent crash on the 60 Freeway in Chino during the early morning hours of April 7.
Joseph Perez, 21, and his sister, Jacquelyn Perez, 23, had been visiting their mother, Karen Perez, in Riverside before heading home to West Covina. They never made it back.
Around 2 a.m., Jacquelyn, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle just west of the Ramona Avenue onramp. The car struck the center divider and veered off into an embankment, where it came to a rest.
Also inside the vehicle were Joseph’s pregnant girlfriend and their 8-month-old daughter, Nicole. The crash killed Jacquelyn on impact. Joseph was thrown from the car and did not survive. His girlfriend was critically injured but was taken to a hospital and is recovering. Incredibly, the baby was found under the wreckage and escaped without serious injuries, according to the family.
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The siblings’ mother, devastated by the loss, described Jacquelyn and Joseph as deeply loved and full of life. Jacquelyn, known affectionately as “Smiley” because of her ever-present grin, dreamed of becoming a teacher. Joseph, called “Jojo” by loved ones, was preparing to welcome his second child.
“They just brought so much joy,” Karen said in an interview. “Every morning, I still try to call her phone, hoping it was all just a nightmare.”
The two lived together in West Covina, sharing not only an apartment but a close bond. Video from the scene showed the extensive damage to the vehicle, and investigators with the California Highway Patrol say speed may have played a role in the crash, though the cause remains under investigation.
As the Perez family struggles with their grief, they’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. A growing memorial now stands outside Karen’s home, a tribute to the siblings’ memory and the love they inspired in those around them.
Jacquelyn and Joseph are survived by their young children, two other siblings, and many friends and family who continue to honor their lives and legacy. Their mother is urging all drivers to take extra care on the roads.
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