Lawsuit Claims School Employee Caused Fatal Fullerton Crash

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Traffic Collision in Fullerton: A Look at the Case

In June 2025, a tragic traffic accident at a busy Fullerton intersection resulted in the death of Ofelia Barretto, prompting her family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the Fullerton School District. The incident, which took place at the intersection of Bastanchury Road and Euclid Street on June 23, has raised questions about accountability and the implications of vehicular negligence.

The lawsuit stems from a two-car collision involving Barretto, who was in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by her son. As they approached the intersection on a green light, they were struck by another vehicle allegedly making a left turn on a red light. The driver of this vehicle, identified as Vladislav Rumenov Grigorov, is claimed to have violated traffic laws, leading to the catastrophic injuries that ultimately resulted in Barretto’s death. Authorities confirmed that Grigorov’s actions were illegal, although no charges or citations were issued at the time.

Barretto’s injuries were significant; she was transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries weeks after the accident. The timeline surrounding her death complicates the classification of the incident, as it was not immediately deemed a fatal traffic collision by the police. Kristy Wells, representative of the Fullerton Police Department, clarified that the police investigation highlighted the traffic law violation but did not escalate into legal repercussions against Grigorov during initial assessments.

Of particular interest in this case is the claim that Grigorov was operating a Fullerton School District vehicle while performing work duties at the time of the incident. This situation places additional scrutiny on the school district’s liability and operational oversight. While the district has acknowledged awareness of the collision and is cooperating with an active investigation, details regarding Grigorov’s employment status remain murky. The district refrained from confirming whether he was employed at the time of the accident, though public records suggest he has held a position as an electrician with the district in the past.

In light of ongoing litigation, the Fullerton School District issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to a thorough investigative process while asserting their inability to disclose further specifics. This cautious approach reflects the district’s intent to handle the situation appropriately while maintaining public trust.

As the lawsuit continues to unfold, the Barretto family seeks an unspecified amount of financial damages, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll that the incident has wrought on them. The case exemplifies the complexities surrounding wrongful death claims, especially when involving public entities. It raises essential questions about transportation safety, accountability of public employees, and the legal frameworks that govern such incidents.

In conclusion, the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ofelia Barretto’s family underscores the challenges faced after tragic accidents and emphasizes the pressing need for accountability in traffic safety. The ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death will not only impact the family but could also influence public policy regarding traffic laws and responsibilities of school districts in California. As the situation develops, the focus remains on finding justice for Barretto and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.