Woman Killed, 4-Year-Old Daughter Hurt in North Sacramento Parking Lot Crash
Maria Araceli Pena, 48, of Sacramento, died and her 4-year-old daughter was injured after a vehicle struck them in a parking lot in the 500 block of Las Palmas Avenue in North Sacramento at about 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Sacramento police said the driver stayed at the scene.
Incident Summary
Crash Area
A Mother and Daughter Were Struck in a Parking Lot
Sacramento police said officers responded at about 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to a parking lot in the 500 block of Las Palmas Avenue in North Sacramento, near a soccer field where families gather for weekend games. A vehicle had struck a woman and a 4-year-old child.
The woman was taken to a hospital with major injuries and died despite lifesaving efforts. The child had minor injuries. On Monday, the Sacramento County Coroner identified the woman as Maria Araceli Pena, 48, of Sacramento. Her family said the child is her daughter.
The Driver Stayed at the Scene
Police said the driver stayed at the scene, and investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
What Families Should Know
Parking lot crashes are handled much like crashes on the road: the driver's auto insurance is usually the first source of recovery. When a parent is killed, a child can be one of the people entitled to bring a wrongful death claim, and any settlement for a minor in California generally needs court approval. The child's own injuries can be part of a separate claim.
This article does not make any finding about fault.
Our thoughts are with Ms. Pena's family, and we hope her daughter recovers fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lost a Loved One in a Crash?
Scranton Law Firm helps Sacramento families after fatal crashes, including claims for children. The consultation is free.
Request a Free ConsultationNo pressure. A serious, confidential review of what happened and what options exist.