San Bernardino County, CA – On the morning of Friday, May 22, 2026, a fiery collision resulted in the deaths of five family members from Fresno, including 4-year-old twins Nyah and Naomi, according to FOX26.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place just after 8:00 AM on eastbound State Route 62 near the city of Freda.
Authorities said the vehicle, carrying Sergio Leon, his brother Antonio Leon, Antonio’s wife Hermina Hernandez, and the couple’s twin daughters, was traveling to Arizona to attend a family member’s college graduation. A family cousin described how the vehicle entered a lane and struck the rear of a truck, causing the car to spin perpendicular before being struck broadside, immediately bursting into flames.
The twin girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the fatalities and was working to identify all five occupants, with three of the five identified at the time of reporting.
Nyah and Naomi had been set to graduate from preschool on June 3. Family members described the loss as devastating, with an outpouring of community support in the aftermath of the crash. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Who Can Make a Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one is lost in a fatal accident, they leave a hole in the lives of those they left behind. While dealing with this tragedy, many families struggle to find the funds necessary to put their loved ones to rest. A wrongful death claim can help by seeking compensation for the parties whose negligence is responsible for the deaths.
Wrongful death claims may be filed by immediate family members, who suffer the loss most keenly. But they can also be filed by others who relied upon the deceased for support, both emotional and financial.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of comparative negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
