Jurupa Valley, CA — July 7, 2025 — Sabrina De Lara, an 18-year-old resident of Eastvale, died in a tragic two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Jurupa Valley. The collision, which also claimed the life of Javier Rios, 24, has sent shockwaves through the Riverside County community. The crash is being investigated as a DUI incident, and the driver is now facing multiple felony charges.
Authorities say the incident occurred shortly before 3:00 a.m. on July 5 along Limonite Avenue, just west of Beach Street. Sabrina and several others were passengers in a van that collided with another vehicle. She and Rios were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van, 23-year-old Bryan Cruz-Arenas, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.
A Life Remembered for Joy, Compassion, and Leadership
Sabrina De Lara was known among her peers and teachers as a kind-hearted, high-energy young woman with a remarkable sense of empathy. She had just graduated and was preparing to enter college with the goal of becoming a nurse—driven by a desire to help people and serve her community.
Friends recall her contagious laughter and her natural ability to make others feel seen and accepted. “Sabrina didn’t just make friends—she made people feel like family,” said longtime friend Andrea Lopez. “Whether you were struggling or celebrating, she was always right there beside you.”
She volunteered regularly with local youth programs and attended Eastvale community events with enthusiasm. Her presence was often felt before it was seen—described as “a light you didn’t realize was guiding you until it was gone.”
A Crash That Changed Everything
The deadly crash occurred when a van carrying multiple passengers struck another vehicle along Limonite Avenue. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, many of the passengers in the van, including Sabrina, were not wearing seatbelts. Authorities believe intoxication played a significant role in the collision.
Driver Bryan Cruz-Arenas was taken into custody shortly after the crash and is now facing multiple felony counts, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury or death. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have called on witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Community Mourning and Mobilization
In Eastvale, the loss of Sabrina has been met with a deep sense of mourning—and a call for action. A candlelight vigil held Saturday night at Eastvale High School drew more than 200 people, including classmates, teachers, and community members.
“Sabrina was a role model, even if she didn’t know it,” said her high school counselor. “Her kindness, her generosity, and her ability to lead with love—those are rare qualities. And they made a difference here.”
Her family, still grappling with the sudden loss, has asked for privacy during this time. A GoFundMe campaign is being organized to help cover funeral costs and support youth safety awareness programs in her name.
A Legacy of Love and Purpose
In the days since her passing, Sabrina’s story has galvanized local efforts to improve teen driver education and enforce safer passenger behavior. Several community leaders are proposing the launch of an annual “Sabrina De Lara Youth Safety Week,” centered on promoting sober driving, seatbelt use, and safe vehicle practices for young people across Riverside County.
Her teachers and friends are also working with Eastvale High School to establish a scholarship in her name, intended to support future students who embody Sabrina’s values of compassion, service, and leadership
Public Memorial Details
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 13, at 4:00 p.m. at the Eastvale High School quad. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors—Sabrina’s favorites—and bring personal notes, photos,or memories to contribute to a community tribute.
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