Photo Credit: Facebook, used with permission granted by the Tapia family
Two motorists, identified as Matthew George Tapia, 24, of Santa Ana, and Corina Villareal, 54, of Azusa, were killed Thursday at about 1:30 a.m. in a head-on crash near Whittier at First Avenue, near Candlelight Drive, in the unincorporated county area, California Highway Patrol officials said in a written statement, according to the Whittier Daily News.
Tapia was the son of George and Anita Tapia, who are members of the Tustin Calvary Chapel Church. He was home on leave from the U.S. Marines when the accident occurred.
The O.C. Register reported that Tapia was driving a red 1999 Isuzu Trooper south on First Avenue, approaching Candlelight Drive at an unknown speed when he apparently allowed the vehicle to drift to his left, across the double yellow lines and the crash occurred. Villareal was driving a Lexus IS 250 northbound on First Avenue when Tapia’s vehicle crashed into hers. She was borrowing her friend’s car when the crash occurred, according to the Inside So Cal Blog.
Photo Credit: Inside So Cal Blog
Corina Villarreal grew in Azusa, where she spend most of her life, and attended Azusa High School, family members said. She also lived in La Mirada for a period during a former marriage, according to the Inside So Cal Blog.
The CHP is investigating whether or not alcohol or drugs were involved. Given the time of the crash it may well be that drowsy driving was a factor.
Funeral plans have not yet been announced.
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It saddens me to see some of the vitriolic and hateful comments being posted. Matt was a friend of my children in school and in Boy Scouts. I also knew him and became friends with his father through Boy Scouts. While I never knew Corina, she also sounds as if she was a wonderful person. I am sure that her family and friends will miss her very much. For those who spew such hatred for Matt, I am assuming that it is done out of pain at your loss. Keep in mind that Matt's family will have to live with the fact that he was responsible for the death of another person regardless of how it happened. Is that not punishment enough for you? Do you really think that Corina would be happy with the sentiments that you are expressing? I pray for the repose of the souls of both Matt and Corina and that their families and friends, particularly those who have posted here, find peace and forgiveness in their lives.
Aynonumos Paul no need to say no more. The girl killed an innocent marine. He did not kill her. She and other girls were at the bar drinking beer after beer prior to the accident. They where other girls in the car who left her to die. We need no more exclamation on who did what. Her picture's say it all. Look all around her table's what more can they see. Let God be the judge to all this. He has the last word I feel for her family but they have to step up and apoilize to the tapia family
I am afraid that I will have to disagree in part. I do not know to what extent alcohol played a part in the accident, but to lay the all of the blame on Corina is wrong. Maybe they both made some bad decisions and thus share some degree of fault. But to characterize either Matt or Corina as being a "murderer" or a "killer" is counterproductive. I am sure that God has welcomed them both home where they can make their peace with each other. Again, Prayers for all who are touched by this tragedy.
Anonymous, just saying cuz there were 2 girls there. Not sure. But prayers are going to both sides of the family.
On Wednesday, Matthew’s body was escorted by members of the Patriot Guard to Fairhaven Memorial Cemetery where he was greeted and honored with a flag line and salute. On Friday night, at Matthew’s Memorial Service, it was standing room only and people had over flowed into the hallways trying to attend the service. After the service the motorcycle riding Patriot Guard, with flags flying and colored lights blinking, escorted Matthew’s body to the cemetery; it was breath taking. On Saturday at the funeral, the Leathernecks MC [Marines] placed Matthew’s body into the Hearst. On a slow walk to the grave site, the Hearst was escorted by the family, followed by the Marines, a jazz band (playing New Orleans style jazz) the American Flag carrying Patriot Guard and the Leathernecks MC. I’ve never seen such love and support for one individual. Matthew received full military honors. It was a sight to see. It was awesome and l will never forget it.
@azusa resident
Shame on you and your heartless family! You guys are a bunch of ignorant people by blaming matt and saying f*cked up sh*t about matt and his family! As what ive seen (pictures of your loved one corrina) she was a bar herself so clearly she ain't no dam saint and the best person in the world. For all we know she could of been drinking before the accident. Wait for the results hunny before you open your dam mouth!!!! @AZUSARESIDENT
Well jess look up the word ignorant and that I am not I KNOW BETTER AND WHAT I SAY ...FYI Looks like Matt was drinking and also dont matter if she was or not Use your brain if you got one PRIMARY PERSON AT FAULT CAUSING ACCI DENT. After being angry I looked at both sides and very sad for both living family members now if you re read my comments never did I say anything about his family.....also I am not part of Corina s family I knew her from growing up so were do you assume my family is heartless? Re read your comment just a couple days ago and looks like your words are a little harsh as well towards her....AND IF YIU NOTICE I LEFT IT ALONE TILL YIUR DUMBASS COMMENT so say what you want @ jess they bith are at rest and HUNNY the report is in in case you didnt know THAT so maybe everyone can see drinking and driving is nit a good idea
How do you know he was drinking? Investigators haven't even notified his family that a police report is done!
Oh im sure they have ......ill leave that one alone ......cant change what happen nor bring anyone back......
They actually haven't
Guess we found out he wasn't such a saint after all.
RIP Corina...