Crest Man Loses Both Parents in Days, Fundraiser Started to Help Family

Roberto Sanchez, an only child, is grieving the loss of his mother just 12 days after his father passed away.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Roberto Sanchez, a resident of Crest, California, is dealing with the tragic loss of both of his parents within a span of just 12 days. His mother, Josefina Sanchez, died in a car crash on February 11, 2026, when a driver under the influence of alcohol struck her vehicle head-on. This tragedy came just 12 days after his father, Roberto Sanchez Sr., passed away from a heart attack in Mexico. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help the family cover funeral costs, travel expenses, and other unexpected burdens during this difficult time.

Why it matters

The sudden and devastating loss of both parents in such a short period of time is an unimaginable tragedy for Roberto Sanchez and his family. This story highlights the impact of drunk driving and the ripple effects it can have on a community, as well as the importance of support systems during times of profound grief and hardship.

The details

According to reports, Josefina Sanchez was driving to a store to buy hotdog buns for lunch when the crash occurred on La Cresta Road. When she didn't return, her son, Roberto, tracked her phone to the collision site, where he prayed for a miracle that never came - his mother died at the scene. The other driver, a 30-year-old woman from El Cajon, was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. Roberto Sanchez Sr., Josefina's husband and Roberto's father, had previously passed away from a heart attack in Mexico just 12 days earlier.

  • On February 11, 2026, Josefina Sanchez was killed in a car crash on La Cresta Road.
  • On January 30, 2026, Roberto Sanchez Sr. passed away from a heart attack in Mexico.

The players

Roberto Sanchez

The son of Josefina and Roberto Sanchez Sr., who is grieving the loss of both of his parents within a short period of time.

Josefina Sanchez

The mother of Roberto Sanchez, who was killed in a car crash on February 11, 2026.

Roberto Sanchez Sr.

The father of Roberto Sanchez, who passed away from a heart attack in Mexico on January 30, 2026.

Vanesa Galeano

The daughter of Roberto Sanchez, who has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help her father and family during this difficult time.

30-year-old El Cajon woman

The driver who was under the influence of alcohol and struck Josefina Sanchez's vehicle head-on, causing her death.

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What they’re saying

“At night, when I'm alone, it hits me hard. It's a flood of confusion and sadness.”

— Roberto Sanchez (10 News)

“In a matter of days, my dad — an only child — has now lost both of his parents. The weight of this loss is unimaginable. We ask for your prayers for my dad and for our entire family as we walk through this season.”

— Vanesa Galeano, Daughter of Roberto Sanchez (GoFundMe)

“My grandma was deeply loved, and she loved us so well. She always made the effort to show up for our milestones — birthdays, graduations, important moments — no matter the distance. Her presence was steady, warm, and full of care. While our hearts are broken, we hold onto the hope we have in Jesus. We believe that my grandma and grandpa are now resting in Him and that one day we will see them again when He returns. That promise is what carries us through the darkest moments.”

— Vanesa Galeano, Daughter of Roberto Sanchez (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The family is seeking help to pay for funeral costs, travel expenses, and the unexpected burdens from their sudden losses through the GoFundMe campaign set up by Vanesa Galeano.

The takeaway

This tragic story underscores the devastating impact of drunk driving and the importance of community support during times of profound grief. The Sanchez family's loss serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for greater awareness and action to prevent such senseless tragedies.