By Michael Chen
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV) — A local family is reeling from a double tragedy after a 90-year-old grandmother was killed in a head-on collision on her way to another family member’s funeral.
Last Friday morning, Shirley Weinmann and dozens of her relatives gathered before a memorial service for her late aunt. Among those in attendance was 90-year-old Corazon Lange, who flew in from Los Angeles for the occasion.
“We were there to see each other and share memories. It was sad, but we were happy to be together,” Weinmann said.
After the service, the family went to lunch before leaving in a cortege for the burial ceremony in Sorrento Valley. Lange sat in the back seat of an SUV on Carroll Canyon Road.
Weinmann was sitting in a car two vehicles behind her. About 100 meters from the cemetery, Weinmann saw the accident happen in front of her.
“We see this white car racing around the corner. It’s a blind curve. It comes out of nowhere. I tell my husband, ‘It’s going to hit us!'” Weinmann said.
Although her car was not hit, Weinmann said she watched in horror as the car crossed the yellow line and collided head-on with the SUV her aunt was driving.
“The rear of both vehicles was thrown through the air and I screamed,” Weinmann said.
After the accident, five family members had to be hospitalized, including Lange, who suffered severe internal injuries. She died four days later.
“It feels like we’re in a dream. Our family members are wondering, ‘Is this really happening?'” Weinmann said.
Lange, a grandmother of seven children, emigrated from the Philippines over three decades ago.
“She loved to laugh and dance… She just brought laughter everywhere she went,” Weinmann said.
The cause of the accident is still being investigated. Police suspect that it was driving under the influence of drugs. The 26-year-old driver was taken to hospital, but no arrest has been made yet as toxicology tests are still pending.
While the family waits for answers, they are now forced to plan another funeral.
“It’s one tragedy after another, and they keep piling up … and that’s not fair,” Weinmann said.
Two family members are in hospital with serious injuries. A Gofundme campaign is intended to help with treatment and funeral costs.
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