Gabriela Moreno Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a woman who tragically died in a high-speed crash that also claimed the life of an Alhambra police officer early Thursday morning. Gabriela Moreno, 42, was killed after being ejected from a stolen vehicle involved in the incident. The collision also resulted in the death of 28-year-old Officer Alec Sanders, a member of the Alhambra Police Department.
The fatal crash occurred near the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive at approximately 3 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Investigators reported that a stolen Hyundai SUV, traveling northbound, collided with Sanders’ patrol vehicle, which was heading westbound on Valley Boulevard. The crash took place during what CHP described as a pursuit situation, underscoring the dangerous circumstances that led to the loss of life.
The driver of the Hyundai has been identified as 27-year-old Steven Zapata, a resident of El Monte. Following the collision, Zapata sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Once medically cleared, he will be formally booked on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to CHP officials. The seriousness of the charges reflects the fatal outcome of the crash and the involvement of multiple victims.
Gabriela Moreno was one of two passengers in the stolen SUV. She tragically died at the scene after being ejected from the vehicle during the impact. Alongside her, a 52-year-old man was also inside the Hyundai and was hospitalized. Fortunately, his injuries were reported as not life-threatening. The sequence of events highlights the extreme danger posed by high-speed pursuits and stolen vehicles on public roads.
Officer Alec Sanders, who had been with the Alhambra Police Department for approximately eight months, was on duty covering a shift for a colleague when the fatal crash occurred. He is remembered by colleagues and community members for his dedication, kindness, and positive influence on everyone he encountered. Sanders is survived by his fiancée, two younger sisters, and a brother, leaving a family and department mourning his sudden and tragic death.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the crash, working to confirm the exact sequence of events leading to the collision and to determine any additional factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. High-speed pursuits, particularly involving stolen vehicles, are known to be highly unpredictable and dangerous, often placing both the public and law enforcement officers at risk.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks officers face when responding to active pursuits and underscores the potentially deadly consequences of stolen vehicle-related crimes. Authorities have emphasized the importance of public safety while pursuing suspects, balancing the need to apprehend offenders with minimizing danger to civilians.
Community members and colleagues of both Moreno and Officer Sanders have expressed profound grief over the loss of life. Gabriela Moreno’s death adds to the tragedy of the morning, which already involved the loss of a young police officer. Friends and family are grappling with the suddenness of the events, while the Alhambra Police Department has highlighted Sanders’ commitment to service and the lasting impact he made during his time on the force.
As CHP continues its investigation, further details regarding the crash, including the circumstances surrounding the stolen Hyundai and the pursuit, will be released. Meanwhile, authorities are ensuring that the legal process proceeds, with Steven Zapata facing serious charges in connection with the deaths of both Moreno and Officer Sanders.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards associated with stolen vehicles, high-speed chases, and the risks law enforcement officers encounter daily while protecting the public. The loss of both a civilian and a dedicated officer has reverberated through the community, leaving a lasting sense of sorrow and a focus on the importance of road safety and caution during emergencies.
