Teen’s Life Cut Short in Long Beach Accident
In a heartbreaking incident over the weekend, a 17-year-old boy lost his life in Long Beach, California, after being struck by a suspected drunk driver. The teen, Brandon Cabrera, was riding his scooter near Orange Avenue and South Street when the tragedy occurred.
“He did not deserve to die like this,” said Aniyah Diaz, a close friend who was with Brandon at the time. “We had just left a store, and in a split second, a car sped by and took his life.”
The driver, identified as 35-year-old Karen Mativa from Compton, allegedly hit Brandon and then crashed into an apartment building before fleeing the scene. She later returned and was taken into custody by police. Mativa now faces charges of hit-and-run and driving under the influence.
Brandon’s family and friends are grappling with the sudden loss. “You hurt my family,” Diaz expressed emotionally. “Everybody is devastated because of her decision to drink and drive.”
Brandon, who moved to Southern California from Honduras a few years ago, was known as a caring young man. Despite a challenging upbringing, he was attending school and working in construction to support his family.
“We lost a family member because of her,” said Britney Chacon, Brandon’s cousin. “It’s not okay. She needs to face the consequences.”
A makeshift memorial has been set up at the crash site, where mourners gather to pay their respects. The family is seeking help with funeral expenses through donations on Cash App ($BritneyyOfficial) and Zelle (562-388-2663). A GoFundMe page has also been established.
For those affected by similar tragedies, the Law Offices of Burg & Brock offer legal support and guidance in personal injury cases.