Turlock, CA – A devastating crash on Sunday morning claimed the lives of four people, including three members of the Lourenco family, leaving the local community in shock and grief. The collision occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 165 and Greenway Avenue and involved a Jeep SUV and a speeding Infiniti sedan.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) identified the victims as Daniel Lourenco, 44, his wife Jennifer Lourenco, 45, and their 16-year-old daughter Madelynn Lourenco, all residents of Turlock. The driver of the Infiniti, 22-year-old Uriel Guizar Negrete, also died in the crash. CHP reported that Negrete’s vehicle was traveling at a high speed when it collided with the Lourenco family’s Jeep, which had stopped at a stop sign before entering the intersection.
Daniel and Jennifer Lourenco were pronounced dead at the scene, while Madelynn succumbed to her injuries after being transported to the hospital. Two other passengers in the Jeep, a 19-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, suffered severe injuries and were hospitalized. Negrete, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from his vehicle and died at the crash site.
Jennifer Lourenco was a beloved education specialist at Sinclear Elementary School in the Ceres Unified School District. The district expressed deep sorrow over her death, noting her dedication and impact as the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year. Pitman High School, where the Lourenco family was well-known, also released a statement mourning the loss and offering support through counseling services for grieving students and staff.
While it is clear that Negrete’s vehicle was speeding, investigators are working to determine whether drugs, alcohol, or other factors contributed to the crash. CHP highlighted the importance of seat belt use, noting that while the Lourenco family had been following safety protocols, the severity of the crash still led to tragic outcomes.
The tragedy has left the Turlock community grieving, with schools, churches, and local organizations rallying to support the survivors and the victims’ families. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing care for those affected and reflecting on the dangers of reckless driving.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be lost and the critical role safety measures and responsible driving play in preventing such tragedies.