Disney has issued a statement after a Disneyland Resort cast member was killed by a drunk driver on Wednesday, August 12.
Cast Member Yesenia Lisette Aguilar was walking with her husband, James Alvarez, at 7:30 pm near Disney California Adventure theme park when a Jeep driven by a drunk driver jumped the curb and hit her. She was 23 years old and 8 months pregnant. She was rushed to the hospital and gave birth to her baby girl via c-section. The baby, named Adalyn Rose, is still in critical condition.
The drunk driver was later identified as Courtney Pandolfi, 40, a resident of Garden Grove with two previous DUI arrests on her record. Anaheim Police said that Pandolfi was booked on charges of murder, DUI, and driving with a suspended license.
A Disney Resort spokesperson released the following statement:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our cast member Yesenia Aguilar and we offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.”
Aguilar’s husband, James Alvarez, started a GoFundMe page to help pay for her medical and funeral expenses. On the page he writes:
“Today we grief the death of a beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend-Yesenia Aguilar. Yesenia was taken from our hands too soon. We have lost her in the most tragic way, when a driver under the influence lost control and struck Yesenia. She was expecting a beautiful baby girl who has been born prematurely and fighting for her life. We ask you keep Adalyn Rose ( Yesenias daughter) and her family in your prayers. We also ask our friends and family to help by donating towards her funeral and medical costs to help cover the cost of the unforeseeable events.”
You can learn more and donate here.
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