Maleena Valdez, a 4-year-old toddler, was killed after a vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a daycare facility. Maleen died on March 16, 2022, after getting into a crash that took place in Imagination Station, a daycare based in Arcadia.
She was survived by her lovely surroundings and Parents Miguel Romo and Savannah Valdez, sister Jazziah Taylor, grandparents Joe Valdez, Josephine Valdez, Esmeralda Zamorano, Rosa, and Miguel A. Romo, as well as aunts and uncles Josephine Valdez (Raul), Joanie Valdes (Ceaser Sanchez), Abby Garcia (Nicandro), Jose Valdez Jr., Joanna Gaitan (Alberto), Samantha Montejano (Omar), Jacob L.
The accident took place at Imagination Station, a daycare center in Arcadia. The driver, Kiara Morant, was detained after hitting the playground as kids were playing outside.
According to Valdez’s grandmother, Imagination Station shares equal blame for her granddaughter’s passing with the driver.
She used the word ‘hatred’ while characterizing the daycare.
A guardrail is present now, but there was only a chain-link fence there when the fatal collision occurred a year ago.
One year after a fatal collision, Valdez family’s suffering is still severe, and her rage only grows.
“It still feels so unreal. Every day it feels so unreal. Like, I still feel like I’m gonna get that phone call from her and say what grandma? You know, like, I would call her every day,” Valdez said.
Maleena Valdez family is totally heartbroken about their loss
Maleena was the daughter of her mother Savannah Valdez and her father Miguel Romo. Police claim that 18-year-old Morant crashed his Jeep into a chain-link fence, killing the 4-year-old. Morant was allegedly driving without a license, according to the police.
Maleena Valdez’s mother, Savannah Valdez, told WINK News in 2022 that she wants Morant put behind bars and the daycare held accountable.
“I really thought my daughter was safe there you know she’s been there for almost a year she was going to graduate and they got all that stuff donated and you know it took for my daughter to lose her life,” Savannah said.
“Why did this happen? You know, I mean, it’s just, I mean, I don’t understand. You know, I’m trying to understand I’m trying to cope with it still, but I can’t,” Maleena’s mom said.
Yet regardless of the new guardrail, Maleena’s grandma Josephine told WINK News that she doesn’t believe the daycare should still operate. Morant is still detained in the interim.
The Valdez family will commemorate Maleena’s passing on the site of the crash with a balloon release in the coming weeks.
Maleena’s mom said that they would be there in each court hearing for their child. She says she wants justice for her baby girl and nothing will stop them from going o hearings for their daughter who should be with them but is unfortunately not.
Savannah was on her way to pick up Maleena with cupcakes to celebrate her birthday and Savannah’s as well when the unimaginable occurred.
“I just to get that random phone call,” said Savannah Valdez, Maleena’s mother.
The police called, and they revealed the heartbreaking information that Maleeena had been struck and was currently in critical condition.
“I was just hoping that…she would have made it through,” Savannah said. “Definitely the worst day of my life.”
The day the daycare fence was struck, 18-year-old Morant, according to authorities, was operating a stolen vehicle without a license. She is accused of two felonies: grand theft auto and driving without a license while causing death or serious injury.
What actually happened in the incident of Maleena Valdez?
A tragic incident occurred on March 16, 2022, in Arcadia, Florida, when a driver crashed into the playground of the Imagination Station Learning Center. Four-year-old Maleena Valdez, a student at the preschool, lost her life due to the impact of the accident. Another child who was present at the playground was also injured and was taken to the hospital, where they were listed in serious but stable condition.
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According to reports, an 18-year-old woman was driving a Jeep Cherokee when she veered off the roadway and drove through a chain-link fence, colliding with two children who were playing at the playground. The SUV came to a stop only after it crashed into a tree. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and took the injured children to nearby hospitals.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Maleena succumbed to her injuries and passed away at Gulf Coast Hospital. Her family is devastated by the loss and remembers her as a sassy, kind, and a funny little girl who was the light of their lives.
The driver responsible for the accident was arrested and booked into the county jail, where she is facing multiple charges. The incident has left the community shaken, and residents are mourning the loss of Maleena, whose life was cut tragically short.
The community comes together to support the family of Maleena in a daycare accident
The passing of 4-year-old Maleena Valdez has left an indescribable void in the hearts of her loved ones. As they gathered together to say their final goodbyes at her funeral service, the weight of this devastating loss could be felt throughout the room.
Despite the overwhelming grief and sadness that filled the air, there was a sense of comfort in the community that had come together to offer their love and support to the Valdez family.
The sheer number of people who came to pay their respects at the funeral was a testament to the impact that Maleena had on those around her.
For the family, the outpouring of support was a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time. Knowing that they were not alone in their sorrow and that so many people cared deeply about Maleena and her family was a light in the darkness.
Destany Allen organized the fundraiser on behalf of Savannah Valdez
Maleena’s mother, Savannah Valdez, is understandably devastated by the loss of her beloved daughter. In addition to mourning, Savannah will also be out of work for some time, further adding to the financial strain on the family. With bills that won’t stop and funeral costs to cover, the family is facing an uphill battle during this difficult time.
Destany Allen has started a fundraiser on behalf of Savannah to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. Maleena was a sassy, kind, and the funny little girl who was loved by all who knew her. Any help that can be given to this family during this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. They raised over $28,724 on the gofundme page.
Maleena’s passing is a reminder to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her mother, father, sister, and the rest of the family and friends who are grieving her loss.
