A grieving Utah family is speaking out after a tragic accident in Provo claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl and left her 4-year-old brother seriously injured. The driver accused of causing the crash, 28-year-old Nereyda Miranda, was arrested and is now facing manslaughter charges, according to the Provo Police Department.

A Routine Afternoon Turns Tragic

The crash occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Brough Trailer Court, where Jorge Sandoval was outside with his children — 2-year-old Claudia Isela Sandoval and 4-year-old Esequiel — preparing to head out for lunch.

Police say Miranda was driving through the community around 1 p.m. with trash bags covering the hood of her vehicle. Moments later, her car struck both children, killing Claudia instantly and seriously injuring Esequiel.

“He doesn’t know why the lady didn’t look out — why she had bags on her car,” said Kathleen Vaca Zepeda, Claudia’s aunt, translating for Sandoval during an interview with FOX 13 News.

Zepeda said Miranda lived just a few feet from the community dumpster.

“She could’ve just walked to the dumpster, thrown out her trash, and gone back to her car. Instead, this happened,” she said.

Grief and Questions

Sandoval, who witnessed the crash, described the horrifying scene and his desperate attempt to save his daughter. His hands remain cut and bruised from punching through the driver’s window in a panic.

“I didn’t leave my kids by the side of the road — I was with them every second,” Sandoval said tearfully.

The family says they’re struggling to make sense of how such a preventable tragedy could have occurred.

Legal Developments

According to court documents, Miranda — a Guatemalan national — has been placed under a federal immigration hold by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following her arrest.

Authorities initially booked her on manslaughter charges, though additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.

Family in Mourning

Esequiel, the 4-year-old survivor, has been released from the hospital but remains in recovery.

“He can’t walk,” Zepeda explained. “His leg and foot are turning purple as of now.”

The Sandoval-Martinez family has since left their trailer park home, saying the sight of the accident is too painful to bear.

A fundraiser has been organized to help the family with funeral costs and medical expenses, as they continue to navigate their loss and support Esequiel’s recovery.

Community members have begun donating and offering support to the family during this devastating time.