Loved ones honor two young lives lost in Madera County crash. How to help families
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A June 30 Madera County crash killed 18-year-old Esmeralda Gutierrez at the scene.
- Nineteen-year-old Bobby Criado died days later after receiving compassionate comfort care.
- GoFundMe campaigns request donations to support the families of Gutierrez and Criado.
Two families are mourning the loss of two young lives after a crash in Madera County killed 18-year-old Esmeralda Marcela Gutierrez and 19-year-old Bobby Criado.
Gutierrez died at the scene of the June 30 crash at Avenue 17 and Road 28 1/2, according to the California Highway Patrol. Criado, a passenger in the same vehicle, died Saturday while surrounded by his family, according to a GoFundMe campaign.
In the days since the crash at the rural intersection northeast of the city of Madera, loved ones have gathered to remember Gutierrez, describing her as someone whose kindness left a lasting impression.
A candlelight vigil was held in her honor as family, friends and members of the community came together to celebrate her life.
In a GoFundMe campaign, her sister, Angelina Gutierrez, called Esmeralda “the heart of our family” and said she was a beloved Dutch Bros employee whose kindness touched countless lives.
“She was always there for others,” Angelina Gutierrez wrote. “Whether it was a smile at work or a helping hand for friends and strangers alike. Her gentle spirit and warmth made her a light in our lives and in the community.”
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Audrey Aanonson said Criado received “compassionate comfort care” following the crash before he died Saturday.
A graduate of Madera High School, Criado competed in water polo, was a two-time County/Metro Athletic Conference diving champion and was also a member of the school’s cheer team and volleyball team, according to athletic director John Fernandez.
Criado’s brother, Raymond, shared a tribute on Instagram.
“My lil brother will always be bigger than life to me. He was such a strong, bright, and courageous young man. It saddens my heart that he won’t grow old with me and experience more of this life. But Bob lived this life with no fear and his foot always on the gas,” he wrote.
According to the fundraiser, Criado was an organ donor, and an Honor Walk took place Sunday night.
“This has been the most difficult week of our lives,” Aanonson wrote. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, support and visits from everyone who has reached out to Bobby and our family.”
To help the families, donations can be made to Gutierrez’s and Criado’s families.
