TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two individuals who lost their lives in a fatal DUI crash that occurred on Sunday evening. The victims have been named as Gloria Jamie Barajas, 55, and Brenda Quinonez, 35, both residents of Reedley.
The tragic incident took place on Road 56, located between Reedley and Dinuba, at approximately 6 p.m. The victims were traveling in a Nissan Rogue, along with two other passengers, when their vehicle was struck head-on by a Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford F-150, identified as 43-year-old Blake Benham from Dinuba, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested.
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According to authorities, Benham veered from the southbound lane of Road 56 into the northbound lane, resulting in the collision. Benham, who serves as the principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, is now facing charges related to the fatal crash.
Tragically, Barajas and Quinonez did not survive the impact and were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers in the Nissan Rogue sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. DUI crashes have the potential to cause devastating consequences, including the loss of innocent lives and life-altering injuries.
Law enforcement agencies and safety advocates continue to emphasize the importance of responsible and sober driving to prevent such tragic incidents. They urge individuals to plan ahead and arrange for designated drivers or alternative transportation options when consuming alcohol.
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The Tulare County community mourns the loss of Barajas and Quinonez, and their families are left to cope with the devastating impact of this senseless tragedy. The legal proceedings against Benham will now commence, as authorities work to bring justice to the victims and their grieving loved ones.
