Driver arrested in suspected DUI crash that killed a woman in Visalia, police say

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A family in Visalia is grieving after their loved one, 59-year-old Christine Diane Orosco, known as Tina, was killed in a DUI crash less than a quarter of a mile away from their home on Thursday evening.

"It's devastating. Nobody wants to get this news, and if this tragedy could help anybody, drinking and driving, don't do it. It causes so much tragedy for the people involved," said Anthony Orosco.

The Visalia Police Department responded to the intersection of Burke Street and Kaweah Avenue at 5 pm.

Officials say Tina had the right of way when 26-year-old Omar Chavarria, who police say was under the influence, blew a stop sign heading eastbound on Kaweah Avenue.

Chavarria crashed into two vehicles, including Tina's. She was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.

Police say Chavarria ran away from the crash scene, but was later arrested.

He is now facing DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

Tina's brother, Anthony Orosco, says it's devastating knowing that the crash could have been prevented.

"I want to forgive the driver, he's a young guy. It's senseless and should not have happened," said Anthony.

"You can always call an Uber, everything is on your phone, very easy to access, and it can save a life. It can save your life," said Liz Jones with the Visalia Police Department.

Tina was the youngest of 6 siblings and leaves behind 4 sons and 2 grandchildren.

The Visalia police department will also have a DUI checkpoint tonight.

So far, there have been 3 deadly DUI crashes in Visalia this year.

The family has setup a GoFundMe account.

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