A tragic vehicle-pedestrian collision claimed the life of 1-year-old Lailani Diaz Vazquez on Friday March 13, 2026 at the intersection of North Broadway and Fesler Street in Santa Maria, California. The incident occurred around 2:48 p.m. on the west side of the crossing where a 30-year-old mother was pushing her daughter in a stroller through a marked crosswalk.
An 18-year-old Santa Maria resident driving a vehicle stopped in the eastbound lane of Fesler Street attempted a right turn onto Broadway striking both the mother and child. The force of the impact proved fatal for the toddler who was transported along with her mother to Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.
Lailani Diaz Vazquez was pronounced deceased at the hospital from her injuries sustained in the crash at North Broadway and Fesler Street. Her mother suffered fractures to her ribs hips and spine and remains hospitalized in critical condition. The 18-year-old driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Santa Maria police have not released the driver’s name pending further review of the circumstances that unfolded during the right-turn maneuver in the busy intersection.
The growing memorial at the corner of North Broadway and Fesler Street features candles flowers plush toys and handwritten signs including a message on a utility box that reads “Yo soy Lailani Díaz Vázquez. Aquí pasé mis últimos segundos de mi vida.” Community members gathered for a vigil to honor the child whose life ended while crossing with her mother.
Santa Maria Police Department investigators continue to examine the sequence of events at the intersection of North Broadway and Fesler Street including vehicle movements and crosswalk usage. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office once the probe is complete. No charges have been announced as authorities review all available evidence from the afternoon crash that claimed the young girl’s life and severely injured her mother.
The Santa Maria community has rallied in support of the family with local businesses and residents contributing to efforts that honor Lailani and aid her mother’s recovery. The intersection of North Broadway and Fesler Street has seen increased attention as neighbors reflect on pedestrian safety and driver awareness in this high-traffic area. The loss of the 1-year-old has prompted calls for greater caution among motorists making turns in marked crosswalks throughout the city.
Anyone with information or video from the March 13 incident at North Broadway and Fesler Street is urged to contact Santa Maria police to assist the ongoing investigation. The family continues to grieve the sudden death of Lailani Diaz Vazquez while her mother receives care at Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center. The community holds onto memories of the bright young child whose brief life touched many in Santa Maria California.
