Alexander Cooper.Photo:Stephanie Rios/GoFundMe
Stephanie Rios/GoFundMe
The children’s mother, Yari Quirarte, said she and her kids were traveling from Rancho Cordova to aSuper Bowlparty in Sacramento when a tire blew on her vehicle, KCRA-TC andCBS affiliate KOVRreported.
The two children were in the center median around 4:30 p.m. local time when a Ford attempted to avoid hitting the Toyota and swerved into the same area where the children were, CHP said, per the reports.
Quirarte said her daughter Jasmine was hospitalized with two broken legs and underwent surgery on Monday.
The “extensive surgery” spanned several hours, “during which dedicated doctors worked tirelessly to reset her broken bones and secure them with pins,” according toGoFundMeorganizers Sandra Moreno and Julie White.
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CHP did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The mom then placed her children behind construction barriers that lined the median. “I thought it would be safe for us to stand there at least while I wait for help," Quirarte said.
Alex, who died on impact, was someone who regularly made others laugh. The second grade student was often “the sunshine of peoples' bad days,” according to his mom.
As of Wednesday morning, more than $5,000 has been raised viaonline fundraisersfor the children’s family in wake of Sunday’s crash.
source: people.com