A Ramona woman killed Monday in a head-on crash had her life “stripped away”, a family member told NBC 7.
Racheal Guarneros – Callahan, 21, was on her way home from work at approximately 4:30 p.m. when her car was struck in a head-on collision at Vista Ramona Road and E Old Julian Highway, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said.
A man driving a Ford F-250, with a 4-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl in the backseat, drifted into oncoming traffic, according to CHP officers.
Guarneros-Callahan died at the scene.
Family members say she had just finished work at the Riviera Oaks Resort and was on the phone with someone when the collision occurred.
Her cousin Valissa Espinosa said the allegation that the other driver was driving under the influence is “really going to weigh on all of us knowing she was stripped away innocently."
The 4-year-old was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital and the 5-year-old was taken to Palomar Hospital.
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CHP investigators said they suspect the Ford pickup driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
However, the driver has not been arrested. CHP investigators say the incident is still under investigation.
“Not only take someone from our family but risk his own children, that’s what hurts the most knowing everything could’ve been completely prevented,” Espinosa said.
Guarneros-Callahan had three older siblings, nieces and nephews who she loved to spend time with, according to her cousin.
A public viewing will be held at Bonham Bros. and Stewart Mortuary in Ramona on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life is planned for Mountain View Community Church Friday at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that friends donate to MADD or childhood diabetes.
