‘She’s not breathing’: Witnesses rush to save young girl killed in suspected DUI crash

LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - A young girl in the Las Vegas area has died after being involved in a suspected DUI crash over the weekend.

A memorial and candles have since been set up at the intersection of the crash in remembrance of Sophia Sandoval, and her aunt has been taken into police custody.

North Las Vegas police say 63-year-old Christina Sorensen is facing charges in the deadly crash that include DUI resulting in death and reckless driving.

According to police, Sophia was traveling with Sorensen in a Corvette when the vehicle collided with a Jeep, killing the 9-year-old.

Officers said they requested additional medical services as CPR was being performed on the child. She was taken to an area hospital but died.

Sorensen confirmed to police that she was the driver of the Corvette but couldn’t confirm if the light was green or red when she crashed into the Jeep. Police said she appeared to be driving under the influence.

Witnesses to Saturday’s crash said they rushed to help Sophia at the scene and administered CPR.

“We saw Sophia inside the car and at the time the female driver in the car was like in shock,” witness Jayceon Jefferson said.

Jefferson said he and his brother-in-law ran to help.

“I told him, ‘She’s not breathing. Her lips are blue.’ That’s when somebody else came. I believe the other guy was a doctor,” he said. “She was not wearing a seat belt. I remember that thoroughly. My brother-in-law was able to take her out of the car without having to unbuckle a seat belt.”

Jefferson said good Samaritans were giving the child CPR for about a minute and a half. Her dad also showed up and was pleading with her to pull through, he said.

“‘Sophia, please come back you have your whole life ahead of you.’ He was just on his knees. It was just so sad,’” Jefferson said.

Police reports say Sophia was in the front seat of the Corvette.

“It’s something I will never forget just seeing her laying there unresponsive,” Jefferson said.

Police said they believed Sorensen was under the influence of narcotics and requested she do a blood draw after the crash.

Sorensen made her initial court appearance on Monday and her bail was set at $100,000. Her next court date is scheduled for Aug. 7.

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