PEORIA, AZ – A woman from the Valley is fighting for her life after being involved in a head-on collision with a suspected drunk driver. The devastating accident has left her and her boyfriend, who was also seriously injured, facing a long and arduous recovery.
Brian Salinas and his girlfriend, Arielle Lopez, were driving near 107th Avenue in Northern when a vehicle, allegedly driven by an intoxicated individual, collided with them. Salinas recalls the impact vividly before losing consciousness. The accident has left him with multiple injuries, including a broken knee, femur, and fractured ribs, as well as a dislocated thumb and a punctured lung.
Lopez remains in a medically induced coma, battling for her life. Salinas, overwhelmed by both physical and emotional pain, wishes he could trade places with her. He describes the heartache of seeing her connected to life-supporting machines, unable to assist her in her fight for survival.
Lopez, a dedicated certified nursing assistant at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, was balancing her career while studying to become a registered nurse and caring for her three-year-old daughter. The incident, which occurred on Mother’s Day, adds to the emotional weight for the family. Salinas expresses relief that Lopez’s daughter was not in the car during the crash.
Peoria police report that the driver suspected of causing the crash was initially arrested for DUI, but formal charges await pending lab results. The driver’s license had been previously canceled, adding to the severity of the situation. Salinas believes that the driver should face consequences for the choices made that night.
Salinas hopes their story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. He urges others to plan ahead by securing alternative transportation or staying put if they have been drinking. The couple will be unable to work for several months, leading to financial strain.
To aid in their recovery, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover medical and household expenses. Those wishing to support Salinas and Lopez during this challenging time can find a donation link on the 12 News website.