Mercedes VS Rolls Royce Street Race Ends In Death Of Young Church Leader Rangel Vega

VAN NUYS, CA. (THECOUNT) — What began as a simple dinner outing turned into a tragic evening for two longtime friends in Van Nuys, California. Rangel Vega and Alejandro Luquin, both 22, were headed to grab a meal after church when their Honda was struck by two vehicles allegedly engaged in street racing. The crash, which occurred on Sherman Way, took Vega’s life and left Luquin critically injured, his family holding back the devastating news of his friend’s passing in hopes it will aid his recovery.

The collision happened Friday night as Vega and Luquin attempted to turn into a restaurant parking lot. Police say two vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz and a Rolls-Royce—were racing at high speeds down Sherman Way when they slammed into the friends’ Honda. Both young men, known for their dedication to church and community, were immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition. Vega succumbed to his injuries a day later, while Luquin remains hospitalized with multiple severe injuries.

As news of the crash spread, the community felt the weight of the loss deeply. Pastor John Miranda of La Iglesia en el Camino, where Vega and Luquin had led a youth service for middle schoolers just before the accident, expressed his sorrow. “The community is weeping for this loss,” he said, noting the impact Vega and Luquin had on the church’s youth ministry.

Luquin, who has suffered multiple broken bones, including both legs, his jaw, and an arm, has already undergone several surgeries. “He’s still in a lot of pain,” his sister, Mayra Luquin, shared. “His recovery is going to be long and hard for him.” Mayra explained that while he recovers physically, an emotional challenge looms, as his family has not yet informed him of his friend’s death. “He keeps asking for him, ‘How is he? How is he?’ It’s hard. We can’t tell him just yet that he passed away,” she said.

The driver of the Mercedes was arrested for reckless driving, while police continue to search for the driver of the Rolls-Royce, who reportedly fled the scene on foot. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the incident or the whereabouts of the Rolls-Royce driver to come forward.

To assist with medical expenses and provide some financial relief to both families, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. The fundraiser aims to support Luquin’s lengthy recovery process and cover funeral expenses for Vega. Friends, family, and members of the community are rallying together, not only to raise funds but also to share memories of the two young men who had bright futures and deep connections with those around them.

Vega and Luquin had been friends since middle school, united by their faith and their service to the community. Their last evening together was spent giving back to others at their church, a fitting testament to the lives they led. Now, the community they served mourns their loss and holds onto the memory of two young men who embodied compassion, friendship, and faith.

While Vega’s family begins the painful process of grieving, Luquin’s family faces the challenge of helping him heal physically and emotionally in the wake of this tragedy. As Luquin continues to ask about his friend, his family grapples with the right moment to break the heart-wrenching news. For now, they focus on his recovery, surrounding him with love and support.

The community’s grief is palpable, and calls for increased road safety and accountability have been echoed across social media and local forums. This tragic accident has brought renewed attention to the dangers of street racing, which often endangers innocent lives. Local leaders have responded to community concerns, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In the meantime, the community’s focus remains on honoring Vega’s memory and supporting Luquin’s journey to recovery. Their tragic story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact of reckless decisions. As donations pour into the GoFundMe, it’s clear that Vega and Luquin have left a lasting imprint on the lives they touched.

Via GoFundMe:

As a community, we are coming together to help collect funds for Rangel and Alejandro.

Rangel and Alejandro are volunteers of our church and serve their community in Van Nuys, California. They serve because they love people and want to see the families in their community be healthy and restored.

On November 8th, both youth leaders of La Iglesia en el Camino were leaving after our young adult service for dinner with other leaders and servers. Unfortunately, Rangel’s car was in a collision involving two cars that were racing down Sherman way.

Both Alejandro and Rangel were sent to the hospital in critical condition Friday night.

Rangel fought the battle until his last breath on Saturday night and is now with our Father in Heaven. He is now rejoicing and worshipping the Lord as he loved to do. He will forever be in our hearts and part of our ministry at La Iglesia en el Camino.

Alejandro is currently hospitalized and still recovering needing surgeries. We asked that you help us pray for his recovery and his family.

This gofundme is being organized to help and support both families during this time. Our prayers and heart goes to both families. We thank you all for your time and donations in advance, may God bless you all.

Como comunidad, nos unimos para ayudar a recaudar fondos para Rangel y Alejandro.

Rangel y Alejandro son voluntarios de nuestra iglesia y sirven a su comunidad en Van Nuys, California. Sirven porque aman a la gente y quieren ver que las familias de su comunidad estén sanas y restauradas.

El 8 de noviembre, ambos líderes juveniles de La Iglesia en el Camino salían después de nuestro servicio de jóvenes adultos para cenar con otros líderes y servidores. Desafortunadamente, el auto de Rangel tuvo una colisión que involucró a dos autos que corrían por Sherman Way.

Tanto Alejandro como Rangel fueron enviados al hospital en estado crítico el viernes por la noche.

Rangel peleó la batalla hasta su último aliento el sábado por la noche y ahora está con nuestro Padre Celestial. Ahora se regocija y adora al Señor como le encantaba hacerlo. Él siempre estará en nuestros corazones y será parte de nuestro ministerio en La Iglesia en el Camino.

Alejandro actualmente se encuentra hospitalizado y aún recuperándose necesitando cirugías. Le pedimos que nos ayude a orar por su recuperación y la de su familia.

Este gofundme se está organizando para ayudar y apoyar a ambas familias durante este tiempo. Nuestras oraciones y nuestro corazón están con ambas familias. Les agradecemos a todos por su tiempo y donaciones de antemano, que Dios los bendiga a todos.

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