Zane Thurber - 3 year old victim of drunk driving in Utah

Zane Thurber

Zane Thurber, age 3, died on January 25, 2014, on a street in Taylorsville, Utah. 

At about 8:30 p.m., Zane was strapped in his car-seat in the back of his father's Subaru, which was stopped at a red light. The Subaru was struck from behind and Zane was killed in the crash. 

Zane's father, Matt Thurber, suffered a concussion from the collision and Holden Thurber, age 6, had a tooth knocked out. 

Manuel de Jesus Guinea, of El Salvador, has been booked on suspicion of automobile homicide and impaired driving. 

Manuel de Jesus Guinea

Witnesses said that Manuel was driving at something like 70 miles per hour at the time of the collision.  He was weaving all over the road and his car lights weren't visible.  A five car pile-up ensued at the time of the crash.  Manuel tried to blend in with the crowd around the crashed cars. He stunk of booze. Onlookers held him in custody until the police arrived. 

A campaign to raise funds for the burial of Zane was set up and over $22,000. has already been raised. The Thurber family did not immediately have the money for the funeral and it is not believed that Manuel de Jesus Guinea has any insurance because he may be an illegal immigrant. 

Zane is described as an adventurous, outgoing boy who crammed a lot of life into the three years he had.  He loved playing Peek-A-Boo, swimming and had a real strong connection with his mother. 

Jesus, pray for Zane

The family of Zane have suffered an unspeakable loss.  They will forever mourn this child. 

If you are drunk and you are not at home, do NOT drive.  Take a taxi, call a friend for a ride, or crawl home on your hands and knees.  It will be better for you and for everyone else if you do.  

Zane is survived by many loving family members including his mother and father, Aubrie and Matt Thurber.

Pray for the children who die before their time. 

God save us from the drunk and doped up drivers.  They are killing us, Father. 

Pray that Zane is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.