More than $46K raised for family of Fresno mother, daughter killed in Highway 152 crash

More than $46,000 has been raised for the family of Samantha Xiongnhiathao and Gisselle Diaz, the Fresno mother and daughter who were killed in a crash on Highway 152 on July 18.

“Our family suffered an unimaginable loss,” their family wrote on the GoFundMe page, which is raising funds to help cover funeral and memorial services costs and other unexpected expenses.

As of Tuesday, $46,408 out of $80,000 has been raised. Information about the memorial services for Xiongnhiathao and Diaz has not been shared by the family.

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden and allow us to focus on honoring their lives with the love and dignity they deserve,” the family wrote.

In the GoFundMe page, the 50-year-old Xiongnhiathao is described as the heart of their family, “a woman of deep faith whose life was rooted in love, compassion, and service to others” touching countless lives through her kindness and generosity.

According to California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just before 2 a.m. on eastbound Highway 152, east of Road 14 1/2. A 32-year-old Fresno man was driving a Freightliner east at about 15 mph in the No. 2 lane while experiencing engine problems, the CHP said.

Xiongnhiathao was driving a black Honda Clarity east with Diaz when the Honda crashed into the rear of the Freightliner. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by CHP.

The 17-year-old Diaz, who graduated in June from Fresno High School, was described as an “extraordinary young woman with a bright future ahead of her.“

The valedictorian, who had a 4.2 grade-point average, “will be remembered for her unwavering faith, kind heart, and the light and warmth she brought into every room. She was beautiful inside and out, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her loved her,” the family wrote.

The GoFundMe page is at www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-lives-of-samantha-xiongnhiathao-gisselle-diaz