Emimlio Juan Brignardello Vela
Emilio Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
As the holiday season approaches, the family of Kellie Rivera grapples with profound grief, marking the first Christmas without their beloved mother, wife, and friend. The tragedy struck on December 8th, when Rivera was involved in a fatal crash in Kings County, California, caused by a suspected drunk driver. John Hughes, Rivera's brother-in-law, shared the family's heartbreak in a heartfelt conversation with Action News. "This should be a joyous occasion, and everybody should be talking about how we're going to get together and exchange gifts, and now it's -- what are we going to do?" he lamented. The festive spirit has been replaced with a haunting absence, as they navigate their new reality in the wake of this devastating loss. The California Highway Patrol reports that at around midnight on that fateful night, Rivera was driving north on 13th Avenue when her SUV was struck by a speeding Toyota 4Runner that ran a stop sign. The driver, identified as Phillip Chavez Macias, was allegedly intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. While he sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Kaweah Health, Rivera tragically died at the scene. In a virtual arraignment from his hospital bed, Chavez Macias pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, which carry aggravated circumstances due to his two prior DUI convictions. Hughes expressed the family's desire for justice, stating, "Justice for us is seeing him behind bars where he can't hurt another family like he's hurt our family." Rivera's husband, Jon Rivera, a local police officer, conveyed the depth of their loss in a statement, noting, "Kellie's death has left a massive hole in our family. She loved deeply and without exception. As we mourn our loss, please take the time to hug your loved ones a little tighter." This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for their four children, who now face a future forever altered by the consequences of another's reckless actions. Hughes poignantly highlighted the challenge of explaining the loss to young children, reflecting on a heart-wrenching moment: "How do you tell a 4-year-old that can't happen, or how do you tell an 8-year-old who says, 'I know Santa has magic. I know he has magic, and he can bring my mommy back 'cause I don't want gifts; I just want my mommy back. How do you tell her Santa's magic doesn't work that way?'" In honor of Kellie's memory, her family plans to carry on one of her cherished holiday traditions, visiting the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see the Christmas lights. They hope to find solace in the memories they created together, even as they come to terms with the immense loss they now face. As the Rivera family navigates this painful chapter, they are also advocating for awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. Hughes implores others to reflect on their choices, emphasizing the impact they can have on families. "We just want to make sure that other children aren't left without a parent because of a preventable tragedy,” he said. Chavez Macias faces the prospect of life in prison if convicted, a somber reminder of the grave consequences that can arise from irresponsible behavior. While the Rivera family mourns their beloved Kellie, they will continue to honor her legacy and advocate for change, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.