Children of Fresno couple killed in motorcycle crash near Millerton Lake talk with ABC30
FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) -- Ken Balderrama and his wife, Jeannine, died in a crash Friday afternoon. It happened on Auberry Road near Millerton Road in Fresno County.
38-year-old Denise Lago is in the Fresno County jail on several felony charges. Sheriff's deputies say she was under the influence of prescription drugs when she triggered a crash that killed a husband and wife.
For Ken and Jeannine Balderrama, their three children always came first. So for their mom's birthday celebration, 17-year-old Kourtney, 23-year-old Jordan, and 22-year-old Taran helped plan a party up at Shaver Lake.
"I told her I love you I'll see you tomorrow," said Jordan. "Can't wait for this family trip it's been six seven years."
But tomorrow never came and the family trip never happened. Because mere miles from their campsite, Ken and Jeannine died in a four vehicle crash.
Jordan said, "They said if we happen to die doing what we love know that we love the bike and that's our peace."
CHP investigators say a woman under the influence of prescription drugs swerved into oncoming traffic. The Balderrama's motorcycle and two other vehicles were caught up in the crash. Their children say they're relieved to know their parents died instantly.
Jordan added, "We just didn't want our parents to suffer and sit there helpless."
Now the three siblings are banding together to get through this tough time. They were ready for this day to come. Ken and Jeannine both lost their own parents at a young age, and had prepared their own children for the worst.
Taran explained, "They talked to us, what to do where, where to go, the idea of how much is left on the house what kind of payments we would have to make."
Kourtney, Jordan and Taran say they're taking comfort in the thoughtful measures their parents took before they died. And hope to continue their loving legacy even now that they're gone.
Kourtney added, "All we have is each other."
