A 12-year-old girl in Terra Bella, California, has died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver just days before her 13th birthday, according to the California Highway Patrol and local authorities.
The child was walking with family members when she was hit by the vehicle on a local roadway, officials said. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Background
The incident occurred in the small community of Terra Bella, located in Tulare County in California's Central Valley. The girl was celebrating what should have been an upcoming milestone birthday when tragedy struck, according to family members who spoke with investigators.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene and immediately began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle swerving before striking the child.
The Investigation
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene following the crash, authorities said. CHP officers conducted field sobriety tests and determined there was probable cause to believe the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol.
The driver, whose identity has not been released pending formal charges, was taken into custody and transported to a county jail facility for booking. Authorities confirmed that blood samples were drawn and sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis to determine exact blood alcohol concentration levels at the time of the crash.
No other details regarding potential charges or the driver's criminal history were immediately available as the investigation remains ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- The victim was a 12-year-old girl from Terra Bella, California, struck while walking with family members
- She died from her injuries just days before her planned 13th birthday celebration
- The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing death
- Blood samples have been submitted for toxicology analysis to confirm impairment levels
What's Next
The Tulare County District Attorney's Office is expected to review the CHP investigation and determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed against the driver. Prosecutors typically present cases involving DUI fatalities to a grand jury or file charges directly depending on the strength of evidence collected.
A date for any potential arraignment has not yet been set as investigators continue to compile their findings. The girl's family has indicated they plan to work with victim advocates through the criminal justice process.