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Stanton, CA (June 3, 2026) – Two women, a mother and her daughter, died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Magnolia Ave near Cerritos Ave in Stanton on Monday, June 2. The collision occurred around 9 p.m.
The women were identified as Amadilia Noemy, 61, and her daughter Gabriela Amadilia Cruz, 34, and they were crossing the street when a white BMW hit them. Both were taken to a hospital, where they died from their injuries.
Cruz had married in February and had a young son, aged 5 to 7. She worked in Fullerton and had served in the U.S. Army. Her mother was visiting from Guatemala at the time of the accident.
The driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators. DUI was not suspected, and no arrest was made. Investigators noted the women were not in a crosswalk when the wreck occurred; neighbors said the nearest crosswalk is not close to that stretch of road.
This case remains open as investigators piece together the full sequence of what happened. Our sincerest condolences go out to the Cruz family and to all who loved Amadilia and Gabriela.
What to Know About Pedestrian Safety and Crosswalk Access in California Neighborhoods
Pedestrian crashes involving people crossing outside marked crosswalks are more common in neighborhoods with limited or widely spaced crosswalk infrastructure. When the nearest marked crossing is a significant distance away, many people choose to cross where it is most convenient, even if that means doing so mid-block or at an unmarked intersection. This pattern is well documented in denser residential areas and is sometimes referred to as a gap in pedestrian infrastructure rather than a purely behavioral issue.
California law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks, but outside of them, the rules are more nuanced. Drivers are still expected to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting people on foot, and pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk are expected to yield to traffic. How fault is assigned in these collisions often depends on a detailed review of speed, visibility, lighting, and each party’s awareness of the other.
Communities that experience repeated pedestrian crashes at the same stretch of road sometimes pursue infrastructure changes, such as adding crosswalks, lighting, or signals, to reduce long-term risk.
