A family traveling to celebrate a college graduation in Arizona never made it to the ceremony after a devastating crash in Southern California claimed the lives of five relatives, including 4-year-old twin girls.

The tragic accident happened on May 22 in San Bernardino County when the family’s vehicle was reportedly t-boned and burst into flames along State Route 62 near Freda, according to ABC7 and the Los Angeles Times.

The victims were identified as Sergio Leon, 38, of Fresno; his wife, Herminia Hernandez, 39; their 4-year-old twin daughters, Naomi and Nyah Leon; and Sergio’s brother, Antonio Leon, 36. Authorities also confirmed that the other driver, identified as 60-year-old Holly Chafey, died at the scene.

The San Bernardino County coroner said all six victims were pronounced dead at the crash site.

The Leon family had been driving to Arizona for a relative’s graduation when loved ones realized something was terribly wrong.

“We had family members starting to arrive,” cousin Itzia Zamarripa told KMPH Fox26 News. “As they were arriving, that family — Sergio, Antonio, Nyah, Naomi, and Mini — never showed up.”

Zamarripa later received a call indicating the missing family may have been involved in the fatal collision.

“This car so happened to go into the back of the truck as they entered into the lane and ended up perpendicular to my cousin,” she explained. “So my cousins had no time to react at all.”

“They t-boned that car and immediately burst it into flames,” she added.

The heartbreaking loss has shaken relatives and the wider community, especially because Naomi and Nyah were only days away from graduating preschool on June 3.

“We’re numb,” Zamarripa said. “It’s been devastating.”

Another family member, Cesar Sanchez, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. As of early June, the fundraiser had raised nearly $30,000.

In the fundraiser tribute, Sanchez described the victims as “a family defined by love, laughter, devotion and unwavering support for one another.”

He remembered Sergio for his “hardworking spirit” and “generous heart,” while describing Herminia as someone with a “beautiful soul” who “touched countless lives.”

Antonio was remembered for his “loyal heart,” while Naomi and Nyah were described as little girls who “brought endless joy, innocence, laughter and light into the world” during their short lives.

Sanchez also shared a touching glimpse into the family’s personality, noting that Sergio and Antonio were devoted Las Vegas Raiders fans who jokingly rivaled Herminia, a passionate San Francisco 49ers supporter.

“The impact each of them made on their family, friends, and community will never be forgotten,” Sanchez wrote.

Stories like this leave many people struggling to understand how tragedy can strike so suddenly. For believers, moments like these are reminders to hold loved ones close, cherish every day, and pray for families walking through unimaginable grief.

Please continue praying for the Leon and Hernandez families as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask You to comfort every grieving loved one affected by this tragedy. Surround this family with Your peace, strength, and hope in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Help them feel Your presence in the days ahead and remind them they are not alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.