Turlock, CA – According to KCRA, 14-year-old Matthew Lourenco succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating two-vehicle crash in Stanislaus County that claimed the lives of three of his family members and another driver on Sunday morning, December 15, 2024.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the collision occurred around 9:25 AM at the intersection of Greenway Avenue and Highway 165. The Lourenco family was reportedly traveling to church in their Jeep when it was struck on the driver’s side by a speeding sedan driven by 22-year-old Uriel Guizar Negrete.
Daniel Lourenco, 44, and his wife, 45-year-old Jennifer Lourenco, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their 16-year-old daughter, Madelynn, succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. Jennifer Lourenco was a beloved educator and the reigning Teacher of the Year at Sinclear Elementary School. The Ceres Unified School District described her as a dedicated and gifted teacher whose absence will deeply impact the community.
The couple’s 14-year-old son Matthew initially survived the crash but died days later due to his injuries. Matthew and Madelynn were both students at Pittman High School, and they released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss. The family’s eldest daughter, 19-year-old Emma Lourenco, remains in the intensive care unit, battling severe injuries.
Residents of the area have raised concerns about the safety of the intersection, which has been the site of multiple crashes in recent years. CHP reports that since January 2023, there have been six accidents at the intersection, three of which resulted in injuries, including this fatal incident.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses. The family has also announced that memorial events will be open to the public. A visitation and viewing will be held on December 26 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Turlock Memorial Park, and a funeral mass and rosary are scheduled for December 27 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock.
CHP investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the collision. Guizar Negrete was reportedly traveling westbound on Greenway Avenue at a high rate of speed when the crash occurred. CHP noted that the intersection lacks a stop sign for westbound traffic, and Guizar Negrete’s speed exceeded the posted 55 MPH limit.
While fog was present that morning, it is not believed to have contributed to the crash. Authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the incident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling.
Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses. However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve.
This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential so that they can fight to make sure you receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
