In a heartbreaking incident, a fundraising effort is underway to support two 22-year-old men and church volunteers whose car was struck by a Mercedes allegedly involved in a street race against a Rolls-Royce in Van Nuys, California. The collision left one victim dead and the other critically injured, sparking outrage and a call for justice.

Reckless Driving Leads to Devastating Consequences

The Tragic Incident

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a Mercedes-Benz GT63 and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan were speeding westbound on Sherman Way at around 9:50 p.m. on a Friday night. The Mercedes collided with the right side of a Honda Civic that was turning left into a parking lot, causing a chain reaction of events that would forever change the lives of those involved.The Rolls-Royce veered to the left to avoid striking the Honda, but ended up colliding with a Chevrolet Traverse traveling eastbound before striking a curb. The driver of the Rolls-Royce then fled the scene in an unknown direction, leaving behind the aftermath of the reckless actions.

The Victims

The two occupants of the Honda Civic were identified as Rangel Vega and Alejandro Luquin, both 22-year-old longtime friends and active volunteers at La Iglesia en el Camino church. They had just left the church after a young adult service when their vehicle was struck.Tragically, Rangel Vega succumbed to his injuries on the night of the accident, leaving his family and community in mourning. Alejandro Luquin, on the other hand, remains hospitalized and faces a long and difficult recovery. He has suffered multiple broken bones, including two broken legs, a broken arm, and a broken jaw.

The Aftermath and Community Response

The news of the accident has devastated the community, with the pastor of La Iglesia en el Camino, John Miranda, expressing the congregation's grief over the "loss of this young life." Alejandro Luquin's sister, Mayra, has shared the heartbreaking reality that her brother has not yet been told of his friend's passing, as he continues to ask about Rangel's condition.The LAPD's Valley Traffic Division has urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward, as they work to hold the responsible parties accountable. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the families of Rangel Vega and Alejandro Luquin, as they navigate the emotional and financial challenges ahead.

A Call for Change

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and street racing, which can have devastating consequences for innocent bystanders. The loss of Rangel Vega and the ongoing struggle for Alejandro Luquin's recovery serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for stricter enforcement and education to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.As the community mourns and rallies behind the affected families, the hope is that this incident will inspire a renewed commitment to road safety and a collective effort to address the underlying issues that lead to such senseless acts of recklessness on our streets.