Broadside Crash Claims 3 Young Lives and Injures 3 

September 16, 2025 – Madera CHP officials report that on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., CHP Madera officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles, on Avenue 7 at Road 24.

A preliminary investigation indicates:

A 48-year-old woman from Clovis, CA was driving a gray Honda Odyssey, southbound on Road 24, approaching the intersection at Avenue 7.  A 64-year-old woman was seated in the right front passenger seat of the Honda and was wearing her seatbelt. One child, age 6, and two juveniles, ages 15, and 17 were seated in the back seat. The six-year-old girl and the 15-year-old boy were not wearing a seatbelt. The 17-year-old girl was restrained but was not wearing her seatbelt properly.

The children were identified as 6-year-old Serenity Valenzuela, 15-year-old James Valle and 17-year-old Jezzy Valle.

A 38-year-old man from Delano, CA was driving a bronze Freightliner, pulling a set of double trailers, traveling westbound on Avenue 7, approaching the intersection at Road 24. The driver of the Honda failed to stop for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection directly in front of the Freightliner. As a result, the front of the Freightliner broadsided the left side of the Honda. The Freightliner continued out of control in a southwesterly direction, struck a power pole, and came to rest inside an irrigation ditch. The 6-year-old and the 15-year-old were ejected from the Honda. Despite life saving measures, all three succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the Honda (mother of the 3 children) was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The right front passenger in the Honda (64-year-old woman) and the driver of the Freightliner were also transported to local hospitals with minor to moderate injuries.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this crash.

Every trip, every child, every seat matters. Make sure every child is properly buckled and keep your full attention on the road. Seatbelts save lives, and attentive driving prevents tragedies before they happen.

Source & photo: Madera CHP