Police: Alcohol a factor in deadly South San Jose Christmas Day crash

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU/BCN) - Christmas Day turned into tragedy for two families when an early morning head on collision in South San Jose resulted in two fatalities. Police say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash that claimed a 14-year-old boy and a mother of a five-year-old as its two victims. 

Heart-wrenching sobs of family members could be heard in between the passing-by traffic at the scene of the crash, where candles and other memorial items were placed. 
   
Officers responded at 12:28 a.m. on Sunday to a report of a major collision at Capitol Expressway and Snell Avenue, police said.
   
After a preliminary investigation, officers determined a white 2012 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by a 25-year-old woman was traveling west on Capitol Expressway. For an unknown reason, the Chevy crossed into the opposite lanes of traffic, colliding head on into a silver 2004 Lexus, according to police.
   
The Lexus, which was being driven by a man, was also carrying the man's wife and their 14-year-old son.
   
All four victims were taken to local hospitals, police said.

The driver of the Lexus and his wife both suffered injuries not considered life-threatening, according to police.
   
The 14-year-old boy and the 25-year-old driver were both pronounced dead a short while later. The 25-year-old was identified as Jessica Zamora. Family said she was a hard worker and the doting mother of a five-year-old girl. 
   
Investigators believe the deceased driver of the Chevy may have been driving while under the influence of alcohol. Police say a pre-Christmas celebration at a bar led to Zamora's ill-fated decision to drive. 

"We miss her and we know it was a tragic accident. and she knows now, and we're sorry for the other family. And please just know, that other family, that we send our love and our prayers through all the confusion and anger and wonders that we know it hurts. and we know it was a stupid mistake," said Carina Zamora, Jessica's sister. 

The Zamora family said Jessica had been drinking at a bar not far from the crash site and questions why she was still being served alcohol if her judgment seemed impaired. 
   
The collision marks the city's 47th fatal collision this year, police said.