The Fresno community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of two sisters, 14-year-old Rayla Piedra and 21-year-old Angelina Nino, who were killed in a violent car crash late Tuesday night, October 28, 2025. What began as an ordinary drive ended in unimaginable tragedy for a close-knit family and a city now united in grief.
Rayla Piedra and Angelina Nino
According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 11 p.m. when Angelina, driving eastbound on Belmont Avenue, failed to stop at the Brawley Avenue intersection. Investigators said her vehicle veered off the road, crashing into a power pole, several trees, fencing, and a parked vehicle before coming to rest inside a nearby trucking yard.
Emergency crews arrived quickly but could not save both sisters. Angelina Nino was pronounced dead at the scene, while Rayla Piedra was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite doctors’ efforts, the young teen later succumbed to her injuries. A third passenger, a 27-year-old man, survived the crash but remains hospitalized with major injuries.
The news has devastated the Central Unified School District community, where Rayla was a student at Justin Garza High School. Friends and classmates remembered her as cheerful, compassionate, and full of energy. Angelina, described as her sister’s protector and best friend, was known for her nurturing heart and deep love for family. Their inseparable bond, loved ones say, was the heart of their family’s world.
Across Fresno, tributes continue to pour in. Memorials have appeared near the crash site, adorned with flowers, candles, and handwritten messages. Vigils at Rayla’s school have drawn classmates, teachers, and neighbors who share memories of laughter, kindness, and the sisters’ infectious joy. Their story has become a symbol of love and loss that transcends one family—touching the wider community.
