PERRIS, Calif. — An 8-year-old girl has died and four other people were hospitalized following a crash involving a suspected drunk driver in Perris over the weekend, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies responded to the intersection of Ramona Expressway and Rider Street just before 5:40 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found five people injured, including Camila Leon, 8, who later died from her injuries.
All five people involved were taken to the hospital. A GoFundMe page set up for the family states that Camila’s brother and father remain in critical condition, while her mother is listed as stable.
Investigators arrested Silvia Corona, 52, of San Jacinto, on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing injury. The circumstances leading up to the crash are still under investigation.
The crash has renewed concern among residents about traffic safety along that section of Ramona Expressway, which neighbors describe as a frequent speeding hot spot. Longtime residents near the intersection say they regularly witness dangerous driving in the area and worry the same stretch could put their own families at risk.
Riverside County officials confirmed the area is part of an ongoing widening project through the Riverside County Transportation Commission, intended to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians along the expressway.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.