An 11-month-old baby has been killed days before his first birthday after a family of three was struck by a suspected DUI driver in Southern California on Sunday.
Kyle and Hayley Ohlwiler were walking along Antonia Parkway in Las Flores with their son Madden when Daniel Lenihan, 54, allegedly jumped the curb in his vehicle and plowed them down.
Officials said Madden – who was set to turn one on Friday – died at the hospital from his injuries despite rescue efforts, authorities told local media.
‘Kyle and his dear wife Hayley lost their sweet boy, Madden,’ Kyle’s sister Kimmy Ohlwiler Ashworth said in the description of a GoFundMe launched Monday.
The GoFundMe is set to help the grieving mother, 31, and father, 34, cover medical and funeral expenses. In just three hours, the fundraiser surpassed its $25,000 goal.
Hayley Ohlwiler (left), Madden Ohlwiler (center), and Kyle Ohlwiler were struck while out on a walk Sunday afternoon in Orange County, California. Madden was killed in the incident
The incident occurred Sunday around 4.20pm when crews were called to the intersection of Antonio Parkway and Oak Tree Lane in the Las Flores
The incident occurred Sunday around 4.20pm when crews were called to the intersection of Antonio Parkway and Oak Tree Lane in the Las Flores.
Las Flores is a neighborhood just south of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Upon arrival, first responders found Kyle, Hayley, and Madden injured and a silver Hyundai with a shattered windshield on the embankment near the road.
California Highway Patrol officials told FOX 11 Los Angeles the car drove on the sidewalk for ‘several hundred feet’ before hitting the family.
Thanh Nguyen with the Orange County Fire Authority said all three members of the Ohlwiler family were taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Lenihan, the driver of the Hyundai, is a resident of San Clemente, California.
He was taken to the hospital and later arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, CHP officials stated.
CHP Officer Kinsey told DailyMail.com Lenihan is now also facing vehicular manslaughter charges in the death of Madden.
Lenihan was booked into the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana Sunday evening.
One woman who said she witnessed the collision described the tragic scene.
‘I witnessed a horrific accident. Two people flew through the air. I rendered assistance. possible fatality,’ Patricia Staes said in a Facebook post Sunday.
Hayley, Madden, and Kyle dressed up for Halloween in a picture posted to Kyle’s Facebook
Upon arrival, first responders found Kyle, Hayley, and Madden injured and a silver Hyundai with a shattered windshield on the embankment near the road
Thanh Nguyen with the Orange County Fire Authority said all three members of the Ohlwiler family were taken to the hospital in serious condition
CHP Officer Kinsey told DailyMail.com Daniel Lenihan, 54, is now also facing vehicular manslaughter charges in the death of Madden
This is the original press release from the California Highway Patrol
Kyle and Hayley’s family members are now appealing to the public for their support as the mother and father recover from collision and the difficult road ahead.
Part of that difficult road will include their son’s first birthday which, according to a Facebook post from 2022, would have occurred on Friday, April 7.
‘A car struck them from behind and they are in the hospital suffering serious injuries and emotional trauma,’ Kimmy wrote in a Facebook post.
‘While the doctors did all they could to help treat them, unfortunately baby Madden didn’t make it and returned to our Heavenly Father,’ Kimmy said Monday.
‘Please send your love, thoughts and prayers to those suffering with this tragic loss,’ the fundraiser’s description reads.
Within hours of the GoFundMe’s launch, the fundraiser had brought in $45,000 – nearly double the $25,000 goal.
The page was shared on social media by friends, family, and acquaintances who asked for support for the family.
Kyle and Hayley’s family members are now appealing to the public for their support as the mother and father recover from collision and the difficult road ahead
Hayley and Kyle were preparing to celebrate their son’s first birthday. According to a Facebook post, Madden was born on April 7, 2022. He was just days shy of his birthday
The comments section has since been flooded with tributes and messages of support for the family.
‘I can’t imagine the pain. I pray the Lord finds you in the darkness and surrounds you both with His love and hope. Your beautiful son is with his Heavenly Father, knowing that will help you get out of bed each day. I am sorry for your loss…’ wrote one contributor.
‘I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. My heart breaks over this tragic incident. Please know your family will be kept in prayer. Sending so much love your way,’ wrote another person who donated.
‘May Madden’s memory be a blessing. Donation from The Echo Seven Project, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness,’ wrote another commenter.
Contributions to the family’s GoFundMe can be made HERE.
