Orange County U-Haul chase: Innocent driver killed in crash identified as 53-year-old grandmother

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. () — A 53-year-old grandmother on her way to work was killed when a stolen U-Haul fleeing deputies slammed into her SUV in San Clemente, according to authorities and family.

The crash happened just before 8 a.m. Monday near South Ola Vista and Avenida Granada, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Maria Ramirezahmad of Anaheim died in the crash and three other female passengers in her car were taken to a hospital in critical condition.

A GoFundMe campaign established for Ramirezahmad stated she was on her way to work when the crash happened. She leaves behind her husband, four children and two grandchildren, according to the fundraiser.

“She was the best mom and grandmother this world has ever seen. She always put every single person above herself and was loved by all she met,” the GoFundMe page said.

Donations will help with funeral expenses.

Sheriff’s officials said the driver of the stolen U-Haul van led deputies on a short chase before colliding with the victim’s SUV.

Authorities identified the driver of the U-Haul as Mathew Alexander Ronquillo, 39, of Cerritos. He was taken into custody after he tried to run away from deputies, the Sheriff’s Department said.

Ronquillo was treated at a hospital and booked into jail on several charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter.

A passenger in the U-Haul, 56-year-old Gregorio Horacio Trejochavez of La Habra, remained at the scene and was taken into custody.