LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A family is in deep mourning after a devastating 710 Crash took the life of their 15-year-old niece, Ariahh Slemaker, along with her best friend and three others. The tragic incident occurred on the 710 Freeway in Long Beach, leaving the community reeling.
“She was taken from us so young, before her 16th birthday,” Kevin Guerrero, Ariahh’s uncle, shared, highlighting the profound loss felt by the family.
The fatal 710 crash happened shortly after 4 a.m. on Monday. Dashcam footage captured the horrifying moments as a Hyundai Sonata sped before colliding with crash attenuators. The impact caused the vehicle to flip and ignite in flames, resulting in a catastrophic scene.
Ariahh Slemaker was with her 15-year-old best friend, George Dobbs, when the 710 freeway accident occurred. Both teenagers, along with three other occupants of the vehicle, tragically died at the scene of the 710 crash. A sixth individual sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
RELATED: 2 teenagers among 5 killed in crash on 710 Freeway in Long Beach
The 710 freeway crash, involving a single vehicle, resulted in the deaths of five people, including two 15-year-olds. The severity of the incident forced the temporary closure of all northbound lanes of the 710 Freeway on Monday morning, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Authorities identified 18-year-old Angel Sixtos as the third victim in this heartbreaking 710 freeway accident. The solo-car crash has left families and the community grappling with immense grief.
Guerrero expressed the family’s devastation, stating, “It was a surprise and a shock to us all… This family has never felt this much trauma. And yet we are still staying strong, trying to keep it together. And it could happen to anyone. You wish it upon no one.” He also mentioned that the relationship between the teenagers and the other adults in the car remains unclear to the family amidst the aftermath of the 710 crash.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ariahh’s family has initiated a GoFundMe account to gather support for funeral expenses. Similarly, the family of George Dobbs has established their GoFundMe account to help cover his funeral costs. The families shared that Ariahh and George were incredibly close friends, akin to siblings.
The circumstances surrounding why the teenagers were out at 4 a.m. when the 710 freeway accident happened is an additional layer of pain for the grieving families.
“It’s not natural for a parent to have to bury their child. No one should ever have to go through that pain,” Guerrero lamented. “Especially when you go to bed knowing your child is asleep in the bedroom, and you wake up and she’s gone.” Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, Guerrero added, “Mistakes happen. No matter how much you try to prepare your kids for it. Mistakes happen and we gotta live with it.”
