In Osceola County, Florida, a young mother is still mourning the loss of her mother and three small children.
A fatal car crash in 2023 would forever change Sabrina Hernandez’s life.
“It’s so fresh. It still feels fresh in my memory, but at the same time, it still feels like forever,” she told WESH2 earlier this year.
Last words
Sabrina Hernandez’s children — Mylie, Marvin, and Anayari — were riding in a car with their grandparents when a speeding vehicle driven by a 15-year-old ran a two-way stop and collided with them. The crash occurred on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and San Miguel Road in Poinciana.
Sabrina’s father survived but remained in critical condition, while her mother and all three children died.
Fifteen minutes before the accident, Hernandez had spoken to her son. “My son called me and said, ‘Mommy, we’re 15 minutes away.’ I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you in a bit. I love you.’ And he said, ‘I love you, too,’” she recalled.
When they didn’t arrive home, Hernandez tried calling every family member, but none answered. Rushing to the hospital, she learned the devastating truth: her mother and son had died at the scene, and her two other children passed away at the hospital.
Raised her voice
Even in the face of such grief, Hernandez found the strength to forgive the teenage driver. “I forgive him because I am Christian. I believe in Jesus,” she said, relying on her faith to carry her through the unimaginable loss.
In the aftermath, Hernandez raised her voice for change in her community. She questioned whether the intersection could ever be made safer: a four-way stop or traffic lights, she hoped, could prevent another tragedy like hers.
“They were supposed to bury me, and now I have to bury all of them!” she cried.
Sabrina’s husband, Mickey Hernandez, shared his grief on Facebook: “God, please hold my babies tight; tell them mommy and daddy are doing just fine. I miss you guys so much!” He vowed to continue living for their children, urging others to cherish their kids every day.
Update in 2025
Back in 2023, a candlelight memorial grew at the crash site, adorned with teddy bears, balloons, and photos of the children, as the community gathered to mourn. The teenage driver sustained severe injuries, while a passenger escaped with minor injuries.
