Terra Bella community mourns 12-year-old girl killed by suspected DUI driver

TERRA BELLA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A growing memorial in Terra Bella is honoring the life of 12-year-old Janessa Gonzalez, who was killed Monday evening after being struck by a suspected DUI driver.

Janessa's great-grandmother, Eleanor Pina, said the family is struggling with the loss.

"It's been awful without her. I can't imagine having her one day, and the next day she is gone," Pina said.

Through tears, Pina described what happened before the crash.

"She crossed the street without our permission. Then a car hit her, knocked her down and dragged her," Pina said.

Investigators identified the driver as Anthony Chavez-Valencia, 22, of Porterville. Authorities believe he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Neighbors said drivers frequently speed through the area and hoped the nearby speed limit could be reduced in the future.

Janessa's death has been felt throughout the community. About 200 people attended a vigil Tuesday night to remember her.

"You can feel it in the air that every parent saw their child in this event. And every neighbor reached out with prayers and support. And letting each other know that we are here to be with the community," said Nicolas Garcia, superintendent of the Terra Bella Unified School District.

Family members said they have been touched by the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors and community members.

"I lived here all my life and my daughter grew up here too and a lot of people we know, and we work with them in the fields, and our kids grew up together and it's familiar faces," said Janessa's aunt, Cyndi Pina.

Family members said Janessa would have turned 13 on Sept. 10. Instead of celebrating her birthday, they are now planning her funeral. The family has also created a GoFundMe page.

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