Girl, 12, killed by ‘drunk-driver’ while crossing road just days before her birthday as heartbroken family pay tribute

A YOUNG girl has been mowed down and killed by a suspected drunk-driver as she crossed a road just days before her birthday. Janessa Gonzalez, 12, was struck by a Ford Mustang at around 5.37pm on Monday in Terra Bella, California. She suffered major injuries and was rushed to hospital, but later died. Pictured is Janessa Gonzalez, 12, who was killed by a suspected drunk-driver Credit: gofundme She died just days before her birthday Credit: gofundme Cops have arrested Anthony Chavez-Valencia, 22, of nearby Porterville, on suspicion of driving under the influence. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, although the circumstances remain under investigation. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Janessa was just nine days away from turning 13 on September 10. Instead of preparing for her birthday, her family are now preparing for her funeral. Her devastated great-grandmother Eleanor Pina said: “It’s been awful without her. I can’t imagine having her one day, and the next day she is gone.” Janessa was crossing Avenue 95 when she was hit near Terra Bella Elementary School. This week, around 200 people gathered for a vigil as the community continues to mourn the youngster. Her family describe her as a girl who could “light up a room” and said she was “bright, funny” and full of life. Most read in The Sun A fundraiser has been set up for the family of the girl Credit: gofundme Over $3,000 has been raised Credit: gofundme She was the second oldest of six children and had a particularly sweet side. Janessa loved babies and would carry her baby dolls around in her arms, caring for them as though they were real children. Her family also described her as “a whole character” who was funny, loving, stubborn, sweet and always trying to help someone. They said: “Once she started talking, she could talk your ear off.” Janessa had already overcome huge challenges before her life was cut tragically short. Her family said doctors had told her mum that she would never walk or talk. Janessa proved them wrong. “She showed them, she fought harder than anyone could have imagined and did things they said she would never do,” they said. They added: “She proved them wrong just by being Janessa.” Now her brothers and sisters must face life without their sister. Her family said they will miss “the sound of her voice, her smile, her personality, and simply having her here with us”. Terra Bella Unified School District superintendent Nicolas Garcia said the tragedy had shaken the whole community. He said: “You can feel it in the air that every parent saw their child in this event.” Janessa’s family has launched a fundraiser to help cover the unexpected costs following her death. It has raised around $3,000 so far. The family said: “No family is ever prepared to say goodbye to a child, especially so suddenly and so young.”