Two children killed in Azusa car accident are identified by coroner

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office on Sunday released the names of two children who were killed Saturday when the car in which they were riding ran off California 39 in Azusa and plunged about 40 feet down a ravine.

Coroner’s Lt. Larry Dietz identified the children as Andrea Caliz Martinez, 12, and Christopher Caliz Martinez, 8.

Azusa police responded to the scene after receiving several calls at 7:30 p.m. and found the vehicle flipped on its roof. The crash was reported at San Gabriel Canyon Road and Mountain Laurel Way.

A man and woman, both 32, and a 13-year-old girl were found alive outside the car. All three were taken to area hospitals.

Lt. Sam Fleming said speed was a factor and alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

The car was heading south on the two-lane highway when the accident occurred about half a mile north of the U.S. forestry information booth. It was not clear whether there were guardrails, but Lt. Paul Dennis said there was “plenty of distance between the roadway and where the car went down.”

Emergency personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and L.A. County coroner’s office also participated in the rescue and investigation.

Dennis asked that anyone with information contact Azusa police at (626) 812-3200.

Twitter: @TeresaWatanabe