FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. — A vibrant community in the Central Valley is reeling from heartbreak after the loss of two young sisters, 14-year-old Rayla Piedra and 21-year-old Angelina Nino, who died in a violent solo-vehicle crash late on Tuesday night, October 28, 2025.
The Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded at approximately 11:05 p.m. to the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Brawley Avenue—just outside the Fresno city limits.
Investigators say the 21-year-old driver, Angelina Nino, was travelling eastbound at a high rate of speed when she failed to stop at a posted stop sign on Brawley. The vehicle made an unsafe turn, sideswiped a power pole, struck bushes and fencing, and ultimately crashed into a parked car in a trucking-yard area.
Angelina Nino was pronounced dead at the scene. Rayla Piedra, who was in the rear seat, sustained major injuries and later died after being transported to a hospital. The CHP confirmed the rear-seat passenger was not wearing a seatbelt.
A third occupant, a 27-year-old male, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
Victims & Community Impact
Rayla Piedra was a student at Justin Garza High School in the Central Unified school district. Her older sister, Angelina Nino, was just 21—cherished by family and friends. The suddenness of the accident has left relatives and the community in shock.
Local remembrances describe the sisters as full of life, part of the close-knit families in the area, and deeply loved by peers at school and the neighborhood alike. The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief—teachers at Justin Garza High said they are working to support students and staff who knew Rayla.
Investigation & Response
The CHP’s ongoing investigation is focusing on whether speed and possibly impairment played roles in the crash Initial reports indicate that alcohol and drug use remain under examination. The vehicle’s speed and the rear-seat passenger’s failure to wear a seatbelt are among the key factors being evaluated.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who might have dash-cam footage of the area around Belmont & Brawley just after 11 p.m. to come forward.
Safety Behind the Loss
This tragedy underscores broader concerns about traffic safety in Fresno County. High-speed collisions, failure to obey stop signs, and not wearing seatbelts remain persistent risks in the region. Earlier county traffic-safety reports show targeted efforts are underway to reduce fatal crashes by educating drivers and increasing enforcement.
Memorial & Support Efforts
The families of Rayla and Angelina have requested privacy as they grieve. Local community members are organizing vigils and support drives. Schools and neighbourhood groups are offering counselling to classmates and friends of Rayla.
A statement from the Central Unified school district affirmed:
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Piedra & Nino families and to the Justin Garza family. Our hearts are broken.”
In Their Memory
Friends and classmates recall Rayla as adventurous and bright, eager to make her mark at Justin Garza High. Angelina, they say, was a devoted sister and friend, always guiding and caring for her younger sibling. Their loss is being described as “unimaginable” by neighbours.
As the investigation continues, the memory of Rayla and Angelina is prompting the community to pause—to reflect on the fragility of life, the importance of safety behind the wheel, and the power of togetherness in grief.
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