Freeway Worker's Family Mourns His Loss After 2 Alleged Drunk Drivers Crash
WINCHESTER (CBS) — Two families are in mourning tonight following a crash between two alleged drunk drivers that killed two 405 Freeway workers.
The crash occurred near Artesia Boulevard in Torrance early Sunday morning.
Amanda Burden, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke to Richard Zamora's heartbroken family Sunday night.
Gloria Zamora said, "Before he left for work, I told him to be careful. He gave me a kiss and I said I'd see him in the morning."
That meeting, of course, was not to be. Zamora, 58, was one of the two men killed.
The couple was married 40 years. "He was a good father, a good grandfather, a good husband."
Zamora's colleague Ramon Lopez, 56, was also killed. A third worker suffered minor injuries.
Gloria is trying to reconcile the tragedy. "I think that it was such a waste, such a waste and something needs to be done to keep these guys safe on the highway while they're working."
Scott Borjas, the victim's son-in-law concurs, "You have to put K-rails up, and everyone knows what K-rails are. They're expensive but it's a precautionary measure."
To add insult to the tragedy, Saturday evening was Zamora's first night on the job. He died in front of a brother and nephew who were also in the overnight contract crew.
Caltrans says proper lights, sign boards and orange traffic cones were all in place.
The collision shut down a stretch of the northbound 405 for hours. The two suspected drunk drivers -- Yocio Gomez, 33, and Christopher Caserta, 43 -- were both arrested and will likely face involuntary manslaughter charges.
Zamora's widow wants to ask the two suspects a question. "Was it worth it, was that drink worth it?"
Zamora leaves behind his wife, two children and six grandchildren.
Gloria Zamora hopes her husband's story will lead to increased safety measures for freeway workers and maybe save lives.
