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Lodi In Mourning After Six-Car Accident Kills Nearly Entire Family

LODI (CBS13) — Yuli Ocampo visited the Lodi intersection on Wednesday where a horrific accident killed six of her family members, and left another clinging for life.

"To just come out of nowhere and die, it's not fair," she said.

Her uncle Luis Miranda; his pregnant wife Viviana; her unborn child; and their children Irving, Jose and Stephanie were killed in the six-car crash on Tuesday night.

"The hardest part is my aunt, she was pregnant and her baby died with her," Ocampo said. "She was about to give birth and just died."

The sole survivor from her family in the crash was 9-year-old Jorge. He's currently fighting for his life at a Sacramento hospital.

"We just hope he survives to keep the memory of his family here," Ocampo said.

Lodi Police say an unidentified 28-year-old driver who may have caused the crash remains in critical condition.

Witnesses told police the driver was speeding while possibly on his phone. Officers are investigating those claims and seeing if he was under the influence.

Students like Lodi Middle School seventh-grader Sierra Wichman mourned the death of Irving Miranda.

"It was very emotional for all of us to go through it and think about what it was like not to have him anymore," she said, fighting back tears.

She remembered a look he used to give to make her laugh, and her face lit up.

"He was really funny. He always knew what to say to make you smile," she said.

Principal Scott McGregor says he's trying to stay strong.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster," he said. "A lot of trying to hold it together, because your heart goes out to everyone."

Grief counselors from the district hoped to help students deal with the loss of their friend.

"Everyone came together to deal with what happened and provide support needed," McGregor said.

A memorial at the crash site not far from Irving's school stands to remember the night an entire family was nearly wiped out in one of the worst crashes the area has ever seen.

Survivors of the crash, like the Romero family are counting their blessings as all four of them are recovering at home.

"I wish it didn't happen to little kids," Alejandra Romero said. "They cry because they saw everything happen, and it's really sad."

 

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