Mom’s Legs Amputated After Suspected Drunk Driver Hits LA Restaurant
A devastating incident in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood has left an 81-year-old mother, Cristina Vargas, with a life-altering injury after a suspected impaired driver crashed into her outdoor dining table. The collision, which occurred on July 7 around 3:30 p.m. at Los Cinco Puntos restaurant, resulted in the amputation of both of Vargas’s legs.
Vargas was enjoying a midday meal with her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, and a male friend when an SUV veered onto the sidewalk and directly into their seating area. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments, showing the vehicle striking the table and sending debris, patrons, and belongings flying. The sound of screeching tires preceded the impact.
Gabriela Vargas recounted the terrifying experience, describing how she heard the tires and then saw headlights just before the crash. “The next thing I knew, I was airborne,” she told reporters. Her mother, Cristina, was pinned beneath the vehicle, sustaining severe injuries to her lower body. Gabriela herself suffered a head injury and a deep gash on her knee.
A Difficult Road to Recovery
Both Cristina and Gabriela, along with their companion, were immediately transported to a local hospital. While Gabriela and the male friend have since recovered from their injuries, Cristina’s condition was far more critical. She underwent three extensive surgeries, ultimately leading to the difficult decision to amputate both of her legs.
Despite the profound physical trauma, Cristina Vargas has maintained a remarkably positive outlook. She is currently undergoing intensive physical therapy at a rehabilitation center and is expected to return home soon. A widowed mother of two, Vargas expressed her eagerness to be reunited with her family and friends.
“My goal is to give her the best quality of care from here on out,” Gabriela stated, emphasizing her commitment to her mother’s well-being and adaptation to her new circumstances.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
The driver of the SUV, whose identity has not been released, was arrested and faces multiple felony charges, with authorities alleging impairment at the time of the crash. The incident has galvanized the community, with a GoFundMe campaign established by a friend to support the Vargas family. As of Sunday night, the fundraiser had garnered over $30,000.
The funds are intended to help the family manage the substantial medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation costs, and daily living expenses. The GoFundMe page highlights the significant support Cristina will require to adapt to her disability, including necessary home modifications and specialized care. The organizers stressed that the path ahead is challenging but expressed hope that community assistance will alleviate the overwhelming financial burden, allowing the family to focus on healing.
Remembering Cristina’s Spirit
The GoFundMe description painted a vivid picture of Cristina Vargas as a “vibrant and social person with a true lust for life.” It noted her love for dancing and her regular participation in senior center events, where she was known for bringing joy and energy. Her outgoing nature and passion for connecting with others made her a cherished figure in her community. The sudden, tragic nature of her injury is particularly poignant for someone who embraced life so fully and actively.
In an update posted on August 17, Gabriela Vargas shared her gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Thank you everybody for your love and support. We greatly appreciate it,” she wrote. “It’s a slow recovery but day by day we’re getting through it. My mom’s spirits remain hopeful as do mine. Recovery is very painful but she’s giving it her all.” The family continues to navigate the long and arduous recovery process, buoyed by community kindness and Cristina’s own resilient spirit.
