Indio Mother Turns Tragedy Into Warning After Son’s Fatal Crash During ‘100 Deadliest Days’

An Indio mother is speaking out following the loss of her 21-year-old son in a tragic car crash, hoping her story will serve as a warning during what experts call the “100 deadliest days” for young drivers.

A memorial now stands along Highway 111 between Shields Road and Madison Street, honoring the life of Andrew Reyes, who died last summer after losing control of his car and crashing into an electricity pole. He was ejected from the vehicle and did not survive.

“My best friend right here, and I miss him a lot,” his mother said. “I wish this didn’t happen. All I remember is every day how fun we would be together, just the liveliness of him. All he wanted to do was have fun and help everyone out.”

According to AAA, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is one of the most dangerous on the roads, with fatal crashes involving young drivers spiking 30% compared to other months. Factors include distractions from phones, friends, and music, along with inexperience behind the wheel.

In 2023, nearly 2,900 people were killed in crashes involving young drivers nationwide, with an average of eight deaths per day during the summer.

AAA urges parents to lead by example when it comes to safe driving habits, stressing the importance of focus behind the wheel.

Though a year has passed, the pain is still raw for Andrew’s family. “Accidents are accidents, but I have lost two children in two separate car accidents,” his mother said. “And it hurts. Every day we have to carry his burden now.”

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