BELLFLOWER, CA – A heartfelt memorial service was held at a local church to honor three victims of a tragic car crash that occurred over the weekend in Temecula. The service took place at Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church, where mourners gathered to remember Jacob Wilminas, Abed, and Justina, who were all members of the church community.
The three victims were traveling in a BMW driven by Jacob’s fiancée when the vehicle lost control on the northbound 15 Freeway. According to police, the car was being driven recklessly when it crossed the concrete divider into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Nissan Sentra. Both vehicles erupted into flames upon impact.
Witnessing the harrowing scene was former NFL linebacker Glenn Cadrez, who was traveling on the same freeway. He described the moment he saw the BMW crash into the Nissan and how he narrowly avoided the collision himself.
Cadrez quickly pulled over to assist, finding the cars engulfed in flames. He noticed a man emerging from the Nissan, visibly shaken but alive. Cadrez then turned his attention to the BMW, where he saw flames consuming the vehicle.
Despite the intense heat and smoke, Cadrez managed to rescue the 25-year-old driver of the BMW, who suffered severe injuries, including a broken leg. He urged the driver to endure the pain as he pulled him to safety, realizing there was no chance to save the other occupants.
The driver of the Nissan was also killed in the crash, while another passenger remains in critical condition. Police continue to investigate the incident, though they have stated that alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.
As the community mourns, the bravery of those who stopped to help, especially Cadrez, is being recognized. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the dangers on the road and the fragility of life.