Tragic Death Outside Primary School
A grandmother-of-eight who had recently overcome pancreatic cancer was tragically killed after being struck by a refuse collection vehicle in Santa Ana, California.
Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, 69, was crushed under the wheels of the bin lorry on the morning of Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The incident occurred near Pio Pico Elementary School as the truck was navigating a roundabout.
A Life Celebrated and Tragically Cut Short
According to a GoFundMe page created by her grieving family, Maria had just won her battle with pancreatic cancer and was 'just beginning to feel like herself again'.
The page stated: 'Losing her so suddenly has left us in complete shock. She leaves behind a heavy void in our hearts that can never be filled.' It also highlighted that she was a beloved grandmother to eight grandchildren who 'loved her deeply and will miss her more than words can express'.
The local broadcaster ABC7 reported that the fatal traffic collision happened in a residential area while children and their families were walking nearby, adding to the distress of the situation.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed that the incident took place in the 600 block of S. Shelton Street at approximately 7:56 am. Officers and the Orange County Fire Authority responded to multiple calls but Maria was pronounced dead at the scene.
In an official statement, police said the driver of the trash truck stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the inquiry. The investigation, led by the police department's traffic division, remains ongoing.
The Santa Ana Unified School District is providing support to witnesses of the crash, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the event which occurred so close to a school.
