MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — A heartbroken Valley mother lashes out with harsh words for the driver suspected in her son’s death.
“You took my life. You took my baby. You took everything from me, and I want you to rot in hell,” said the grief-stricken mother.
Sebastian Reyna tragically died as he had lived, helping someone or something, when he was hit by a suspected drunk driver.
“I just want to hug and kiss him, and I’m sorry he had to die like that. I love you, Sebastian, I love you, my baby,” said Reyna’s mother, Consuela Abalos.
Detectives believe Reyna was being a good Samaritan when he was killed Monday night in Madera, just two days after his 25th birthday.
“It would appear that the victim had seen an injured dog and was in some way trying to help or stand by with the injured dog,”
Abalos said Sebastian was the life of the party. He always lit up the room with his smile. But now, her world is dark without him because of one man’s careless decision.
“He was young. He was only 25, and they had to take my baby. He was such a good kid, he worked, he did everything,” said Abalos.
Authorities said 57-year-old Paulino Vasquez was driving under the influence, twice the legal limit, when he crashed his vehicle into Reyna.
Vasquez was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on manslaughter and DUI charges. Police said this is Vasquez’s second time being arrested for driving under the influence.
Abalos has been supported by friends and family since this heartbreaking tragedy.
This is the second time she’s lost a child. Sebastian’s older brother passed away in 2022. As she faces the harsh reality of burying her son, again, Abalos wishes she had one more moment with her sweet boy.
“It’s painful. It’s heart-wrenching, and I can’t be without my baby. It’s so hard. I want him back so bad,” said Abalos.
