4 killed in car crash near Corcoran

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Action News has learned new details about the victims killed in a quadruple fatal car crash. The crash happened late Thursday night near Corcoran.

Consuelo Reynozo, 69, and Saul Ramirez Jr., 23, were killed in the victim vehicle. Two others, Christopher Rodriguez, 26, and Tony Hernandez, 51, were also killed.

Graduation is normally a happy occasion, full of hope for the future. But for one young man, just getting through this evening took immense courage.

"I think he's a real strong boy," said Rick Garza, Brian Ramirez's uncle.

Less than 24 hours before Brian Ramirez got his diploma, he was involved in a horrific car crash. The 18-year-old was driving his mom, grandma and disabled brother home. A car swerved into their lane and collided when them. His grandma and brother and two people in the other car all died.

"There was nothing he could do. They pulled in front of him; there was no time to react. It's tragic that his grandma and his brother had to die that night," said Garza.

California Highway Patrol investigators said everyone was wearing their seatbelts. They're still waiting to see if alcohol played a factor in the crash, but they do know Brian was not at fault.

CHP Sgt. Rodney Kennedy said even his generally tough colleagues were shaken up by the timing of the accident. He said, "It doesn't have to be just around a graduation, around Christmas, around Easter; it hurts no matter when it happens. But at times like this when it holds memories for you, it makes it extra tough."

So on this night, Brian understandably had a tough time during the moment of silence for his family and when he got an academic achievement award. But through it all, his family gave him strength to take his spot in line among his peers and celebrate even for just a moment.

Investigators said Brian's mother, Linda Reynozo Ramirez, 44, is still in critical condition, but family members believe she'll make a full recovery.