One year later: imperial Valley community mourn the loss of four BUHS students who tragically lost their lives on January 8, 2024

BRAWLEY, CA – It’s been one year since the tragic car crash on Cattle Call Drive that claimed the lives of four Brawley Union High School students: Angelina Martinez, Aaden-Ray Richards, Siara Reign Sanchez, and Amberly Vasquez. For many in the community, the heartbreak still feels fresh, and the memory of that devastating morning remains heavy in their hearts.

In the early hours of January 8, 2024, a car carrying the four students crashed into a tree and caught fire, leaving no survivors. The crash left the entire community in shock, and the pain of losing four young lives continues to be felt across Brawley and the Imperial Valley

A Year of Grief and Healing

In the days following the accident, the community came together in an incredible show of love and support. Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil at Plaza Park, sharing stories, prayers, and tears. Over the past year, that same sense of unity has carried the families and friends of Angelina, Aaden, Siara, and Amberly through their grief.

Scholarships have been created in their honor, and local businesses and community members have stepped up to keep their memory alive. Whether through fundraisers, small memorials, or simple acts of kindness, the four students’ legacy continues to inspire those who knew and loved them.

A Community United

Today, the crash site near Cattle Call Park remains a place of reflection. Flowers, notes, and personal mementos have been left there, a quiet reminder of the lives lost.

On social media, posts honoring the students have poured in, with many sharing memories and photos under the hashtag #BrawleyStrong. It’s clear that even after a year, the loss of these four young lives is still felt deeply by everyone in the community.

Keeping Their Memory Alive

For those closest to them, the anniversary is a bittersweet reminder of all that was lost—but also of the love and joy that Angelina, Aaden, Siara, and Amberly brought into the world.

“They were so full of life,” one family friend shared. “We still miss them every day, but we’re grateful for the time we had with them.”

As Brawley marks this difficult milestone, the community remains united in its commitment to remember these four students and the impact they had on so many lives. Through shared grief and support, their memory will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone they touched.