Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash Kills Teenager and Grandfather in Anaheim

Police investigating if drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision that left multiple people hospitalized

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 19-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light and crashed into three other vehicles in Anaheim, California, early Tuesday morning, killing 14-year-old Andrew Sanchez and 70-year-old Alberto Piedra. Sanchez was a passenger in the Infiniti sedan driven by the 19-year-old, while Piedra was driving home from work when he was struck. The incident also left two female high school students hospitalized with injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating impact it can have on families. The investigation into whether drugs or alcohol were factors will be crucial in understanding what led to this crash and determining if any charges should be filed against the 19-year-old driver.

The details

According to police, an Anaheim police officer spotted the 19-year-old Infiniti driver operating the vehicle erratically around 15 minutes before the crash occurred. The officer attempted to pull the car over, but the driver sped away before the officer could activate their lights. The Infiniti then allegedly ran a red light and collided with three other vehicles at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard.

  • The crash occurred just before 1 a.m. local time on Tuesday, March 31.
  • Around 15 minutes before the crash, an Anaheim police officer spotted the Infiniti driver operating the vehicle erratically.

The players

Andrew Sanchez

A 14-year-old high school freshman who was killed in the crash while riding as a passenger in the Infiniti sedan.

Alberto Piedra

A 70-year-old man who was killed in the crash while driving home from work. He was a father of 12, grandfather of 30, and great-grandfather of 5.

19-year-old driver

The driver of the Infiniti sedan who allegedly ran a red light, triggering the multi-vehicle collision. The driver was critically injured in the crash.

Two female Katella High School students

The two passengers in the backseat of the Infiniti sedan who were hospitalized with injuries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was my best friend. I knew him since kindergarten … maybe he made the wrong decision that night or something. I don't know what honestly happened.”

— Nathan Tello, Friend of Andrew Sanchez

“He told them that he was going to text them when he was home. Never got the message. They drove past, saw everything.”

— Laura Reyes, Niece of Alberto Piedra

“He was only five minutes away from home after work … something he had done so many times before — when a senseless driver, with their lights off, hit him. He never made it home. We never got the chance to say goodbye.”

— Gilberto Acosta, Granddaughter of Alberto Piedra

What’s next

The Anaheim Police Department is investigating the incident to determine if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. They will also review any potential charges against the 19-year-old driver.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the devastating consequences that can result from reckless driving and the importance of addressing issues like impaired driving to improve public safety on our roads. The loss of a young life and a beloved family patriarch has left two communities grieving.