Pregnant Woman Killed in Anaheim DUI Crash
Pregnant Woman Killed in Anaheim DUI Crash
A pregnant woman was struck and killed in a horrific DUI crash while walking on an Anaheim sidewalk – but her baby was saved. Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, 23, was killed when a Jeep jumped the curb and struck her. According to a KTLA news report, the incident occurred the night of Aug. 12 when the SUV, which officials say was driven by a DUI driver, jumped the curb on Katella Avenue near Bayless Street and struck Aguilar.
Tragic Death
The car narrowly missed Aguilar’s husband, who was not injured, but the DUI crash caused catastrophic injuries to the woman who was 35 weeks pregnant. She died at the hospital, but her baby girl was delivered via a C-section. The newborn, Adalyn Rose, was reportedly in critical condition and was being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the victim’s husband to pay for his wife’s funeral costs and his child’s medical expenses.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Aguilar’s family for this senseless and tragic loss. Aguilar reportedly worked for Disneyland and lived in Anaheim. Please keep her family members, especially her grieving husband and newborn daughter, in your thoughts and prayers.
Prior DUI Arrests
The driver of the SUV, identified as 40-year-old Courtney Pandolfi, was arrested on suspicion of murder, DUI drugs causing bodily injury, and driving on a suspended license. KTLA reported that Pandolfi has two prior DUI arrests and could face a murder charge in connection with this fatal collision. The Orange County Register reports that Pandolfi was previously convicted of DUI in 2008, 2015, and 2016. Prosecutors said she was given a warning known as a Watson advisement after all three convictions that if she continued to driver under the influence and if she struck and killed someone, she could be charged with murder.
Justice for Victims’ Families
We believe that this was not an “accident” but a choice that a driver made to get under the influence repeatedly and get behind the wheel. As a result, a young woman is dead and her newborn will grow up without her mother. In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights, and help ensure that their best interests are protected.
While a criminal prosecution in such cases will result in incarceration for the defendant, it might not necessarily result in significant monetary compensation for the victim’s family. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will be able to help victims’ families secure maximum compensation for their tremendous loss.
