The driver who collided head-on with another vehicle on State Route 78 Monday was committing suicide, according to the medical examiner.
Lupe Vargas, 38, of Escondido, was killed when she was struck by a car traveling the wrong way on eastbound SR-78 just west of San Marcos Boulevard.
She was killed while delivering newspapers for the San Diego Union-Tribune. It was one of two jobs Vargas held as she worked 16 hours a day to support her children ages 5, 8 and 17.
“She never had an easy life since she was divorced and she was taking care of three kids,” said victim’s brother Tony Vargas. “I have no words.”
Tony Vargas said he and his family are angry, frustrated and in pain after learning the driver who caused the accident, 48-year-old Yi Liu was deemed suicidal by the medical examiner.
Liu was depressed officials said Wednesday and was likely committing suicide when she drove her vehicle into traffic.
Now, Lupe Vargas’ family hopes people will pay attention to what happened and understand that people living with a mental illness need help.
Local
“I know that at some point her family didn’t have anything to do with it,” Tony Vargas said. “At the end, they’re responsible all the way because they had to be taking care of somebody like that.”
Co-workers delivering newspapers after 3 a.m. Monday drove by the accident unaware that someone they knew would be a victim.
They have established a memorial fund for Vargas' children. For those who wish to donate, here is the information.
California Coast Credit Union
PO Box 502080
San Diego, CA 92150-2080
account # 914826
Checks should be made payable to ‘Rick Conahan’
memo: Guadalupe Fund
