Friends, neighbors, strangers are contributing to an online fund created for the family of a 3-year-old San Ramon boy killed when his family’s disabled car was struck from behind by a suspected DUI driver Sept. 9.
Elijah Dunn died of injuries suffered in the crash. His mother, 12-year-old brother and 1-year-old sister where in the vehicle with him when their car ran out of gas on northbound I680, the children’s mother pulling to the far right of the freeway to await assistance.
Shortly before 6:20 p.m. a white Toyota Sequoia SUV driven by Yarenit Liliana Malihan, 39, of Pleasanton, struck the Dunn’s stalled Camry from behind. Malihan, the wife of an Alameda County Sheriff’s deputy, was taken to San Ramon Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries suffered in the crash.
She was later arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter charges.
Reports that Malihan had been involved in an accident in Pleasanton just three weeks prior to the fatal crash could not be immediately confirmed, though CHP officers said they are looking into her prior driving history.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that Malihan had also been drinking prior to the earlier collision, which occurred while her child was in the car with her.
Elijah’s mother remains hospitalized in critical condition. His siblings, who also suffered comparatively minor injuries in the crash, are reportedly out of hospital and doing well.
A California Highway Patrol investigation of the crash is ongoing.
The death of this little boy is so sad and tragic. It warms my heart and makes me smile when communities come together to help each other, financially and otherwise. Prayers…