Family, friends recall Fresno woman killed on Hwy. 41 just two weeks before wedding
Family and friends gathered Tuesday to remember a Fresno woman who died in a car crash less than two weeks before she was set to be married.
Brandi Urena was described as a woman full of laughs and smiles, armed with a great sense of humor, and simply filled with love during a candle vigil that brought about 100 people together.
Urena died at 41 years old, killed Monday afternoon when her Toyota Yaris was rear-ended on Highway 41 south of Fresno.
A friend told The Bee that Urena and her fiancé were planning to get married July 31.
“It’s a life that shouldn’t have been taken,” longtime friend Melissa Taito said. “She was trying to go to work.”
The fatal collision occurred at Highway 41 and Central Avenue, where Tuesday’s vigil was held.
The California Highway Patrol said Urena was stopped on Highway 41 in the northbound lanes when another car that was traveling at a high rate of speed struck her from behind.
Four vehicles in all were involved in the collision.
The driver of the Honda that struck Urena was taken to the hospital and may face charges, the CHP said.
Tuesday’s vigil was just as much about remembering Urena as it was a message for drivers to slow down and drive more carefully, especially in the area where Urena died.
Many at the vigil placed flowers and candles near the crash site. A photo showed Urena sticking her tongue out.
Music played on a Bluetooth speaker.
Battery operated candles were passed out.
One woman joked that if Urena had been in charge, the candles would have been creatively decorated.
Taito remembered Urena as a “happy person” and wanted people to be aware of their driving.
“Just in remembrance of celebration of her life and to show how happy she was and celebrating her,” Taito said. “Hope people have awareness of paying attention to the road when they are driving.
“We’re going to put something in her name because people need to be aware where they need to pay attention and stop traveling at high speeds.”
Urena’s mother, Carelyn Contreras, sat in a folding camp chair along the edge of the vigil next to an arrangement of flowers and balloons and often cried.
She still managed to laugh at times as people remembered Urena’s good nature while standing in a circle. People also leaned on each other sobbing and supporting each other.
“She was a baker,” Contreras said between sniffles. “She had her business called Snowflake Cakes. She’s one of six children that I have.
“We’re all here to celebrate her in any way we can. ... It doesn’t feel like it’s really happening.”
A GoFundMe account to help with Urena’s funeral has been set up.
This story was originally published July 21, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
