Family of injured Coachella crash victim speaks out

Julia Dominguez said her heart breaks for her 24-year-old daughter, Julie. She remains in the hospital after a suspected drunken driver injured her and killed her friend, Celena Nava, in Coachella more than a week ago.

“I don’t want him out of the jail,” said Dominguez’s mother.

“It’s not easy because what happened to her friend. She’s really sad. She knows now,” said the victim’s sister, Carolina Dominguez.

The crash left Dominguez with a broken arm, a broken leg, damaged liver and internal bleeding. Carolina said she’s thankful her sister is still alive, after undergoing multiple surgeries.

“Right now she’s fully alert, out of ICU. She talks and communicates now. She’s breathing on her own. We’re really happy about that,” said Carolina.

Having to attend the funeral for Celena Nava, they said their joy is touched with sadness.

“Being there with the family, it’s like we could’ve been in that spot. I just can’t imagine what they’re going through,” said Carolina. “My sister is here and we thank God, but when we went through this I wanted to see both of them,” she said.

The family said Dominguez and Nava were jogging here along Calhoun St. to Dominguez’s parents home when they were hit just two blocks away from their destination.

Now, the Dominguez family is joining forces with Nava’s friends and family on social media in an effort to “Shutdown Drunk Driving.”

“It gets me upset. We do have to do something about it. We can’t let victims continue to die,” said Carolina.

The Dominguez family said Julie wants to be strong for her children.

“She is really positive and she’s motivated to get better. She got a second chance and she’s going to live her life,” said Carolina.

For more information on how to get involved with their efforts, “Like” the Shutdown Drunk Driving Facebook page or email Shutdowndrunkdriving@gmail.com