Father speaks out after baby and grandparents killed in Merced County crash

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A father is speaking out after his 3-month-old daughter and grandparents were killed in a head-on crash in Merced County on Friday night.

The crash happened at 11 pm in the area of Highway 140 and Kniebes Road.

The California Highway Patrol says 40-year-old Robert Pimentel was driving a Ford Explorer east on Highway 140 when he drifted onto the shoulder of the roadway.

Officials say Pimental tried correcting his vehicle but crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, crashing head-on into a Ford Expedition with seven people inside of it.

Officers say 67-year-old Nicholas Leyva, 69-year-old Maria Leyva and three-month-old Celeste Leyva were killed in the crash.

Loved ones say Nick and Maria were involved in the community for decades.

"It's just been a real-life nightmare is the only way that I can describe it. Just imagine your absolute worst nightmare becoming a reality," said Zander Leyva, Celeste's father.

The tragedy happened the same day the Gustine Football family lost one of its own, recent graduate Adrian Rodriguez.

He died in a motorcycle crash in Mexico.

Loved ones said Nick and Maria Leyva were involved in the community for decades.

"The entire town has come together for them because they've come together for the town so many times in support of these kids. They know everybody in the town, they'll stop and talk with everyone," said family friend Joshua Williams.

The other four passengers of the Expedition and Pimentel were taken to a nearby hospital with moderate to major injuries.

Pimentel was arrested for driving under the influence.

GoFundMe accounts have been set up to help the Leyva and Rodriguez families.

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