Loved ones are mourning the loss of a mother of four who was killed when a speeding driver triggered a fiery multi-vehicle crash in San Bernardino earlier this week.
On Jan. 14, Laura Teniz, 57, was driving to work at a Denny’s restaurant, where she served as a manager, when her vehicle was struck at a busy intersection.
According to authorities, San Bernardino police had been responding to a welfare check after multiple callers reported a man acting erratically before slumping over the steering wheel of a Volvo sedan at an ARCO gas station near Highland and Mountain View avenues.
As officers approached the area, the Volvo driver suddenly sped past them on Highland Avenue at an estimated speed of nearly 90 mph. Officers turned around and followed the vehicle.
The high-speed suspect ultimately crashed at the intersection of Highland and Del Rosa avenues around 7:14 a.m.
Investigators said the Volvo slammed into a Toyota sedan that was stopped at a red light. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames before being pushed into the intersection and colliding with two additional vehicles.
Firefighters arrived to find four vehicles engulfed in flames. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene: the suspect driver, who has not been identified, and Teniz, who was inside the Toyota. A third person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, while the fourth driver was not hurt.
Teniz’s family said they are devastated by the sudden loss. Her sister, Patricia Recinos, said she is still struggling to process what happened.
“She didn’t have a chance,” Recinos said. “The car blew up instantly into flames. I don’t understand. She was just a hard-working woman who was trying to get to work.”
Recinos said Teniz leaves behind three sons and one daughter and was deeply devoted to her children.
“She was their biggest supporter,” Recinos said. “She loved her kids. She always made sure they had everything.”
Authorities said the male suspect died at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and a toxicology report is pending.
Recinos added that her sister’s remains had not yet been released to the family, deepening their grief.
“It’s the most painful grieving,” she said. “And the way it happened to her, it’s even worse.”
A vigil to honor Teniz is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, at the intersection of Highland and Del Rosa avenues. A GoFundMe page has also been established to assist the family with funeral expenses.