Mother and Toddler Killed in Fiery San Jose Pileup Days Before Child’s 2nd Birthday

Ivana Balistreri, 29, and her daughter Lilliana were killed in a four-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 87 in San Jose, Calif., shortly before 11 a.m. on Dec. 2. Relatives identified the victims and say the crash involved two Teslas, a Lexus and a Toyota Sienna; the impact reportedly caused the Teslas to catch fire and engulf the Lexus in which Ivana, Lilliana and Ivana’s fiancé, Zach Martins, were traveling.

Crash and Investigation

According to family members and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Zach sustained minor injuries and survived, but the intensity of the blaze hindered his attempts to rescue Ivana and their daughter. CHP officials say the cause of the collision remains under investigation and that alcohol and drugs are not believed to have been factors.

Family Reaction and Details

Ivana’s oldest sisters, Francesca Alexander and Rosie Balistreri, described the loss as devastating and said the family is struggling with unanswered questions about the crash. Francesca said, "Part of what is making this even more difficult is that we really have no answers as to what happened that took my sister and my niece from us."

Francesca AlexanderIvana Balistreri and Lilliana

The family said Ivana came from a close-knit Italian household. Her parents, Benedetta and Aurelio Balistreri, and brother Gaetano have roots in Sicily; Francesca, Rosie and Ivana were born in San Jose. Ivana — the youngest sibling — was described as warm, creative and newly thriving after becoming a mother. Family members say Lilliana, who would have turned two on Dec. 16, was the "sun" of the family and brought everyone together.

Personal Remembrances

Relatives remembered Ivana as a supportive sister and friend who loved painting and was learning to cook. Cousin Ilenia Balistreri said Ivana guided her through pregnancy and postpartum, calling Ivana a sister-like confidante. Francesca recalled how quickly Zach fit into the family after meeting Ivana on a dating app; the couple had been together for more than three years and were engaged but had not set a wedding date.

Family Appeal and Fundraiser

The family has launched a GoFundMe to cover expenses and support grieving relatives; the fundraiser had raised more than $100,000 as of Dec. 9. They have also publicly appealed for anyone with information or video footage of the crash to come forward to assist investigators.

Note: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision and has not released a final determination on its cause.