Stockton Reels from Unspeakable Loss: Four Lives Lost in Napa DUI Tragedy

The vibrant community of Stockton has been plunged into an abyss of grief following a horrific DUI collision in Napa that snatched away four beloved members of a single family. The heart-wrenching incident on Silverado Trail has left relatives and friends reeling from an unimaginable loss, their lives irrevocably altered in a single, devastating moment.

The victims have been identified as Carlos Calderon, 24, his mother Brenda Calderon, 47, his aunt Maria Calderon, 43, and his cousin Maricruz Calderon, 23.

These individuals, cherished pillars of their family, were passengers in a 2017 Honda Civic when tragedy struck. Each name represents a life full of promise, love, and laughter, now cruelly extinguished.

The fatal crash unfolded on Saturday night, May 18, 2024, on Silverado Trail south of Oak Knoll Avenue in Napa County.

Authorities reported that the Honda Civic, carrying the four victims, was involved in a collision with a 2020 Honda Accord. The driver of the Civic, 27-year-old Maximino Coromac-Mendoza, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Napa County Major Crash Investigation Team, is rigorously investigating the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event.

The void left by their sudden departure is palpable.

Family members, speaking through tears and profound sorrow, shared their disbelief and pain. “It feels like a nightmare we can’t wake up from,” one relative stated, echoing the sentiments of many. They remembered Carlos as a bright young man with a future ahead, Brenda and Maria as loving matriarchs, and Maricruz as a vibrant spirit.

The shock of losing four family members at once, in such a senseless manner, has cast a long, dark shadow over their lives.

As news of the tragedy spread, the Stockton community rallied, offering support and condolences to the grieving family. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives lost and provide a space for collective mourning.

This devastating incident serves as a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the catastrophic consequences of impaired driving. Law enforcement and community leaders are reiterating urgent pleas for responsible choices, emphasizing that every decision to drive under the influence carries the potential for irreversible devastation.

The pain felt by the Calderon family is a poignant testament to the fact that these are not just statistics, but real lives, real families, and real communities shattered by preventable acts.

The memory of Carlos, Brenda, Maria, and Maricruz will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved them, their lives tragically cut short by a senseless act.

The hope remains that their story will serve as a powerful catalyst for change, preventing future tragedies and fostering a safer environment for all on our roads.