1-Year-Old Girl Killed in Suspected DUI Crash While Visiting Grandmother’s Grave — Her Father Remains in Intensive Care

A family’s Day of the Dead remembrance turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a 1-year-old girl was killed and her father seriously injured after an allegedly intoxicated driver struck them at a cemetery in Sacramento, California. Little Janessa Milagro Mazur Diaz had been visiting her great-grandmother’s grave with her parents on November 1 when a vehicle suddenly drove onto the grass and hit them. What was meant to be a peaceful family gathering became a devastating loss that has left her loved ones searching for answers.

The collision happened at approximately 4:45 p.m. at St. Mary Cemetery and Funeral Center, where families had gathered to honor loved ones as part of Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. Janessa’s mother, Jackie Patino-Diaz, told local media that she remembered turning around and seeing the vehicle approaching. She initially thought the driver would stop or turn, but the car continued onto the grass, striking her daughter and partner, Joshua Mazur. Both victims were rushed to hospitals. Despite efforts to save her, Janessa later died from her injuries, while her father was admitted to intensive care at UC Davis Medical Center.

For Janessa’s mother, the loss is especially painful because her daughter had been deeply wanted and cherished. She explained that the little girl’s middle name, Milagro, means “miracle” in Spanish. After experiencing pregnancy losses and a difficult pregnancy, she considered Janessa her miracle baby. She also recalled the everyday moments that made their life together special: waking up to her daughter’s smile, preparing her favorite scrambled eggs, juice and crackers, and watching her favorite movie, Coco. Those simple routines have now become memories she says she will miss every day.

Police arrested 50-year-old Miguel Guzman in connection with the crash. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on felony charges related to driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and hit-and-run. Prosecutors have also pursued charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to local reporting. Investigators say the circumstances of the collision are still being examined, and police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. Guzman has been accused in the case; the charges are not proof of guilt, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.

The family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover Janessa’s memorial expenses, her father’s medical bills and other costs as they face the aftermath of the crash. In their appeal, relatives described how a peaceful visit to honor a loved one became a nightmare that changed their family forever. They said they would give anything to have Janessa back in their arms. The fundraiser also reflects the practical hardship facing the family while Joshua continues receiving medical care.

A celebration dedicated to remembering those who have passed has now become the date this family will forever associate with losing their little girl. Janessa was only 1 year old, with a lifetime of birthdays, milestones and ordinary family moments still ahead of her. As her father fights to recover, her loved ones are left grieving a child they describe as their miracle. Police continue seeking information as the criminal case moves forward.

Source: PEOPLE