Local businesses lend helping hand to crash victim’s family

A bowling community came together to remember the Calexico mother who lost her life after she was involved in a head-on crash Monday night.

30-year old Andrea Hernandez was on her way home from a night of bowling when tragedy struck.

Fred Curtis, the owner of Leos Pro Shop, met Andrea eight years ago when he hired her at the Strike Zone Bowling Alley.

Curtis still can’t believe Andrea is gone.

“We even said ‘goodbye’ in the parking lot and then hearing this, it’s kind of I mean, unimaginable. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s no words,” said Curtis.

The president of the Imperial Valley chapter of the United States Bowling Congress wanted to do something to help her family.

Curtis said, “She came to me and she said ‘You know, we should do this.’ And I said ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ Let’s do a ‘Strike Rich’ kind of thing. We can help donate it to help with her expenses.”

In one night, the league was able to raise close to $500 in her name.

Curtis added, “There’s nothing we can do to bring her back. It’s just to try and help as human beings.”

One of Andrea’s family members had bought a home sold by broker Matthew Cowie. When he heard what happened he reached out to the family and asked how he could help.

Cowie said, “They asked at this time that we help out by promoting their GoFundMe account. and they also have a food train that’s been set up for them. So we helped make a video for that and post it on our social media and ask that our followers share that and help contribute as well.”

Cowie said the best in valley residents come out in times like this.

“I think it’s a great testament to the Imperial Valley and how tight-knit we are. And how much we do try and look out for each other and help each other when we’re down,” said Cowie.

In just two days, over $10,000 has been raised on their GoFundMe page.

To help contribute and help the family during this time you can click here.