'They didn’t deserve this'; Family raising money for 2 girls killed in Phelan Road crash

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, California - In the wake of a devastating car crash that took the lives of two young girls in the community of Phelan, the Puentes family is reaching out for support during this incredibly challenging time.

On the afternoon of January 26, 2024, 18-year-old Alexandra Puentes had just picked up her 13-year-old sister, Gulliana, and 12-year-old cousin, Analia, from Riverside Preparatory School. Alexandra's one-year-old niece accompanied them in the car as they headed home to Phelan. After sharing a meal together, tragedy struck while they were en route.

Attempting to turn onto their street from westbound Phelan Road onto northbound Nevada Road, just minutes away from their residence, a white Ecoline Ford Van collided with the back of their white Toyota Camry, as reported by VVNG.com / Victor Valley News Group.

Despite a prompt response from emergency services, Gulliana and Analia, who were seated in the backseat of the Camry, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Alexandra and her cousin, Sebastian Puentes, who occupied the front seat, sustained severe injuries that required hospitalization. Alexandra has since been discharged, while Sebastian's condition has stabilized, according to the latest updates.

In a heart-wrenching plea on their GoFundMe page, Alexandra Puentes recounts the horrifying incident, stating, "I was getting ready to turn into my street, but there were so many cars coming from the other lane. Everyone’s car was going super fast and swerving out to the side of me. I waited, and the last thing I remember seeing was a white van heading towards us."

"That’s the last thing I remembered; I woke up in the hospital asking for them until ultimately they told me that both my sister and niece had died on the scene," she added.

Grieving, Alexandra fondly remembers Gulliana as a joyful teenager who brought laughter to those around her, and Analia as the cherished youngest member of their family who adored dancing and playing. In a plea for support, Alexandra wrote, "Please help support our funeral for our babies. They didn’t deserve this."

The driver of the van emerged from the incident unharmed.

For those wishing to contribute and offer support, donations can be made at the family's GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gulliana-puentes-alani-puentes.

Photo by(Gofundme)