🚨 DEVASTATING LOSS: A Victorville mother is facing every parent’s nightmare—losing two of her three children in one heartbreaking moment.

Her 25-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son were taken far too soon in a tragic crash on Highway 18 in Phelan last Friday. They were on a simple trip to pick up family when everything changed forever. Now, the family shares their grief and a plea for safer roads ahead. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it… hold your loved ones close tonight. 💔🙏

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A Victorville mother is grappling with profound grief after losing two of her three children in a fiery head-on collision on State Route 18 last Friday. Maria Cardenas spoke publicly about the unimaginable pain of saying goodbye to her 25-year-old daughter, Adrianna Sanchez, and her 18-year-old son, Adam Sanchez, who were killed when another vehicle crossed into their lane.

The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. on January 23, 2026, near the intersection of Shandin Road in Phelan, a rural community in San Bernardino County. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Adrianna was driving a Tesla Model Y westbound with her brother Adam as a passenger. They were en route to pick up a cousin at UC Santa Barbara, a routine family errand that turned tragic in an instant.

CHP officials reported that a silver Cadillac CTS, traveling eastbound, veered across the centerline—possibly while attempting to pass another vehicle—and struck the Tesla head-on. The violent impact caused both vehicles to erupt in flames, engulfing them almost immediately. Emergency responders from the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived quickly but found the scene already catastrophic. All three individuals involved—the two siblings in the Tesla and the driver of the Cadillac—were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The CHP continues to investigate the exact circumstances, including potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or road conditions. Highway 18, also known locally as Palmdale Road, is a two-lane highway that connects the High Desert region to other parts of Southern California. It has been the site of previous serious accidents due to its narrow lanes, occasional poor visibility, and high speeds in rural stretches.

Maria Cardenas, the mother of Adrianna and Adam, shared her heartbreak in interviews with local media, including ABC7 Eyewitness News. She described the moment she learned of the crash as shattering. “It’s just so tragic to lose both my children, because somebody might have been in a rush or late,” she said, reflecting on how a split-second decision on the road can have lifelong consequences. Cardenas emphasized the close bond between her children, noting they were siblings who looked out for each other and were excited about their plans that day.

Adrianna Sanchez, 25, and Adam Sanchez, 18, were residents of Spring Valley Lake, a community near Victorville. Family and friends remember Adrianna as responsible and caring, often taking on the role of big sister with pride. Adam, recently out of high school, was described as energetic and full of promise, with interests that included family time and exploring new opportunities. The siblings were part of a tight-knit family; their surviving sibling and parents now face the difficult task of navigating life without them.

In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign titled “A Loving Farewell for Adrianna and Adam” was launched by family friend Barbara Gonzales-Whittington to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. The page has drawn support from the community, with donations and messages pouring in to honor the young lives lost. Supporters have shared memories of the siblings’ kindness, laughter, and the joy they brought to those around them.

The Victor Valley community has responded with an outpouring of sympathy. Neighbors, friends, and local residents have expressed condolences online and in person, with many highlighting the dangers of Highway 18. Social media posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X have amplified the story, with users calling for greater awareness of safe driving practices. Comments often note the heartbreak of a parent losing two children at once, with phrases like “unnecessary tragedy” and “hold your loved ones close” recurring frequently.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in the High Desert region. Head-on collisions remain among the most deadly types of crashes, often resulting from lane departures or passing maneuvers gone wrong. The CHP and local authorities have not released preliminary findings on fault, but the case serves as a reminder of the risks on undivided highways. Safety advocates in the area have long pushed for improvements, such as rumble strips, better signage, or eventual median barriers on stretches like Highway 18.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus for the Cardenas family remains on remembrance and healing. Maria Cardenas’s words carry a quiet plea: to drive with caution and consideration for others on the road. The loss of Adrianna and Adam has left a void in their family and community that words can scarcely fill.

Memorial services and tributes are being planned, with the GoFundMe providing a way for supporters to contribute. The surviving family members have asked for privacy as they grieve, but their story has resonated widely, prompting reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel.

In Victorville and beyond, this tragedy stands as a somber call to cherish every moment and to prioritize safety on California’s highways. The parents’ mourning is shared by a community that, while unable to ease their pain, stands ready to offer support in the days and weeks ahead.