Man killed in suspected DUI crash in Fresno County identified

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A family who visited their loved one in the Valley is now planning his funeral after he was killed in a suspected DUI crash.

It comes after a fiery crash over the weekend that left 27-year-old Eli Abram Lopez dead and injured several others.

"He didn't tell me it was the last hug he would give me," A heart-broken Fabiana Lopez never could have imagined Saturday night's hug from her youngest son would be the last.

That evening she had met her son's girlfriend for the first time, they had dinner at the family Taco Truck, prayed that the couple would be safe driving home, and hugged each other goodbye.

Eli was driving to Orange Cove to drop off his girlfriend, who had just met his parents for the first time, when they were involved in a fiery crash.

The California Highway Patrol says they were at a stop sign on Manning and Hill Avenue when 24 year-old Jesus Zeferino hit Eli's Honda and another car.

Eli's car burst into flames.

His girlfriend escaped and sustained major injuries, but Eli died at the scene.

"An absolute tragedy, 100% preventable," says CHP Officer Mike Salas.

"Now, this 24 year-old driver is facing felony vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI charges, and now they have to deal with the consequences of taking someone's life."

Eli worked at his brother's Taco Truck but had dreams of being an entrepreneur and one day having a family of his own.

He had just made these business cards and t-shirts to promote his new business.

"He left everything, he had bought things to kick start his car wash business," said Orlando Lopez, El's older brother.

Eli's dad says they saw their son for the first time in three years just last week.

He moved to Kingsburg from Guatemala in hopes of starting a better life.

His parents planned to visit for a month.

"We didn't come here to pick him up but now we're taking him home," Juan said.

Now, devastated and at a loss, the Lopez family is working to take Eli's body back home to Guatemala.

The family says they are holding on to their faith to get them through this very difficult time.

They also have a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral expenses and getting Eli home.

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