A California man is facing multiple felony charges after a tragic three-vehicle crash claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children in Apple Valley, authorities said.

Hendrix Arcadio Collado, 43, has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and two counts of reckless driving causing specified injuries. He was arraigned on August 5 and entered a plea of not guilty, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials described the collision as a heartbreaking tragedy that highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving.

The crash happened just before midnight on July 29 near the intersection of Yucca Loma Road and Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley, California.

According to investigators, Collado was driving a 2015 Dodge Caravan when he allegedly ran a red traffic signal and crashed into a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan carrying Theodora Wilson, 39, her husband Felix Valenzuela, 42, and their children Felix, 6, and Rose, 7.

The impact forced the Tiguan into a 2019 Toyota Highlander. Tragically, Theodora Wilson and both young children died at the scene. 💔🕊️

Felix Valenzuela survived the crash and later shared the devastating moments that followed.

“I woke up inside the car with all the airbags deployed. I couldn’t breathe or speak. I looked over at my wife and tried waking her up, shaking her, and I got no response. I tried calling out to my kids. They were flopped over and lifeless in their car seats.”
Valenzuela and the couple’s 16-year-old daughter suffered major injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

He described Theodora, his wife of 22 years, as a dedicated registered nurse who loved her family deeply.

“She will be missed so much. And my two little babies. I won’t get to see what they could’ve become. I love them so much, and I will see them again one day.” ❤️
Collado was also hospitalized with major injuries. His bail has been set at $460,000.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was evaluated and treated at the scene.

The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors say specialized traffic safety attorneys are handling the vehicular manslaughter charges.

Source: People