James Valle, Jezzy Valle Death News – A tragic collision in rural Madera County on Saturday evening claimed the lives of three young siblings after their family’s minivan collided with a semi-truck, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Family members identified the victims as 6-year-old Serenity Valenzuela, 15-year-old James Valle, and 17-year-old Jezzy Valle. The children’s cousin, Benny Ramirez Jr., described them as full of joy and energy. “They were all cheerful and always full of life, just smiling,” he said, recalling their bright and happy personalities.
The fatal crash happened at the intersection of Avenue 7 and Road 24, a rural crossing that has a reputation for being dangerous. Authorities reported that the children’s 48-year-old mother was driving the minivan with her three children and their grandmother when she failed to stop at the posted sign. The vehicle was then struck by a semi-truck traveling through the intersection.
The impact was devastating. Despite seatbelt use, investigators said the children were not properly restrained, with their seatbelts strapped only across their laps rather than secured correctly across the shoulders. CHP Officer Sergio Moreno stressed the importance of proper seatbelt use, particularly for young passengers. “As a driver, pay attention to the road and you are also responsible for all the passengers in your vehicle,” Moreno said. “They have to be wearing seatbelts, especially the little ones.”
Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs are not believed to have contributed to the crash. The children’s mother and grandmother, along with the truck driver, sustained injuries but are expected to survive.
For the family, the loss is immeasurable. Ramirez described his cousin, the driver, as a dedicated single mother who centered her life around her children. “Her whole life was around the kids because she was a single mother. That was her thing: worrying about taking care of her kids. That was her main priority,” he said. The family had left Ramirez’s home less than a quarter mile away only moments before the crash. Shortly afterward, he and others heard the impact and rushed to the intersection, only to discover their relatives had been involved in the collision.
The site of the accident now holds a growing memorial of flowers and balloons in honor of the three children. It also highlights ongoing safety concerns about the intersection. Ramirez pointed out that drivers approaching Avenue 7 receive little advance warning of the stop sign, which he believes contributes to the repeated tragedies there. “There are no signs right there saying stop ahead until you get to the stop sign,” he explained.
The heartbreak has prompted the family to create a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and related expenses. As the community mourns, the children are remembered for the joy they brought to those around them, and the tragedy underscores the importance of roadway safety and vigilance at intersections known for fatal crashes.
