A California man did something out of character on April 19, 2025, that will forever serve as a lasting memory for his family. Albino Barrera, 73, posed for a photo with his 2-year-old granddaughter, Sofia Barrera, before leaving a friend’s birthday party. A short time later, the pair died in a car accident involving a suspected drunk driver. As the Barrera family grapples with the tremendous loss, they will forever cherish that final photograph.
According to KABC, the California Highway Patrol reported a crash on 5 Freeway in Anaheim, about 7 p.m. April 19. KABC identified Sofia’s mother as the driver of the white SUV involved in the fatal crash.
The force of the accident ejected Albino Barrera from the vehicle and killed him instantly. His grandson, Ishmael Barrera Romera, who was riding in the front seat, told KABC he saw his grandfather on the ground.
Sofia’s grandmother rode in the back with Albino Barrera and their granddaughter. Emergency responders took the two women to a hospital in the area, KABC reported. Ishmael Barrera Romera did not suffer serious injuries but told the news station the night would stay with him forever.
“I was just in shock, I didn’t know what to do,” he said, per KABC. “I was crying, I was calling for help. I saw witnesses there that were already calling the cops.”
The California Highway Patrol did not release the name of the driver who collided with the Barrera’s vehicle, according to KABC. Emergency crews transported her to a hospital for treatment. She is suspected of driving under the influence.
Herby Barrera told the news outlet his father’s decision to take a photo with Sofia before they left the party was unusual. “My dad’s not the kind of person to take pictures. He doesn’t like to take so many pictures,” the emotional man said. “It was something that’s going to live in our hearts forever because he decided to come to my niece and say, ‘Hey, let’s go take a picture.’ They were the last ones to take a picture in that photo booth. We left, and it’s the last picture we have of them together.”
Jaanai Barrera created a GoFundMe account for her family. It has raised more than $39,000 of its $40,000 goal thus far.
“The family is devastated by this unimaginable loss. This is one of the most challenging experiences we have ever endured as a family. Any donation would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time,” she wrote on the page. “We are deeply grieving the loss of two incredible and loving individuals. One was the patriarch of our family, who brought us all together, and the other was just beginning to embrace life as a Barrera.”
A donor shared kind words in the comments. “My condolences to the Barrera Family. No words can alleviate your pain,” the person wrote. “I will pray for you all during this difficult time. My heart is broken for you all. RIP Babygirl and Grandpa.”
