Devastation in San Bernardino County: 19-Year-Old Nursing Student Killed by Suspected DUI Driver
COLTON, CA – A family is grieving the unimaginable loss of a promising young man whose life was cut tragically short by a suspected DUI driver in San Bernardino County. Larenz Fondren, a 19-year-old nursing student with a heart for healing and a dream of helping others, was killed on the morning of May 2, 2025, just two months away from achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a licensed vocational nurse.
Fondren, who was dressed in scrubs and heading to his clinical rotation, was struck by a speeding vehicle while crossing the street near Washington Street and Center Drive in Colton. Surveillance footage shows the heartbreaking moment the young man was hit—his body thrown nearly 20 feet into the air. He was later struck by multiple vehicles after the initial impact, according to police.
For his family, the tragedy is almost too painful to bear.
“My son flew 20 feet in the air,” said Wayne Fondren, Larenz’s father. “When I went out there, it was him. I just cried, I couldn’t do anything. Just imagine—that’s your son. The pain, what I’m feeling. He took my son’s life.”
A Young Life Fueled by Purpose
Larenz Fondren’s story is one of remarkable resilience and passion. Despite living with sickle cell disease, a chronic and painful condition, he chose to dedicate his life to healthcare. His goal, his family said, was to give others the kind of compassionate care that he had received throughout his own medical journey.
“Larenz had an old soul,” said a family member. “He was thoughtful, wise, and deeply empathetic. He wanted to make people feel safe, seen, and cared for.”
The 19-year-old was nearing the finish line of his nursing program and had already begun clinical rotations, taking steps toward a future that now will never come to be. Friends and instructors described him as a standout student with immense potential and a bright future.
The Suspect: A Troubling History
The driver of the vehicle that struck Fondren has been identified as Antonio Medrano, 30, of Colton. According to Colton Police, Medrano was arrested at the scene for gross vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence, and for driving without a license.
Police records show Medrano had multiple prior offenses, including repeated license suspensions. His actions that morning, compounded by his lack of a valid license and alleged intoxication, have sparked outrage in the community and within the Fondren family.
To make matters worse, Medrano was released from custody just two days later, after posting $100,000 bail.
“My question is, how do you kill somebody on Friday and get out Sunday morning?” Wayne Fondren asked. “With a DUI and your license having been suspended numerous times and now you’ve killed my son?”
Community in Mourning, Demanding Justice
The release of the suspect has only intensified the family’s grief and raised concerns over the justice system’s handling of repeat DUI offenders. The Fondrens say their son’s death should not go unanswered, and they are calling for reforms and accountability.
Vigils and community gatherings have begun springing up across San Bernardino County, as friends, classmates, and total strangers express their condolences and rally around the Fondren family.
“He was supposed to walk across that stage in July,” a nursing instructor tearfully shared. “He was supposed to wear his white coat and get pinned. Now we’re planning his funeral.”
Seeking Change and Raising Awareness
In the wake of Larenz’s death, his family is determined to honor his legacy by advocating for tougher penalties for DUI offenders and launching a scholarship fund in his name for aspiring nurses who have overcome adversity.
They also hope to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and the importance of compassion when addressing young lives with potential.
“Larenz was more than just a victim,” his aunt said. “He was hope. He was the future. And now he’s gone.”
As investigations continue, the Fondren family has vowed not to rest until justice is served. They are encouraging anyone with information about the incident, or who may have dashcam footage from that morning, to come forward and assist law enforcement.
For now, a promising life has been stolen too soon. But the light that Larenz Fondren carried continues to shine through the hearts of those he touched—and in the fight for justice his family now leads in his name.
If you would like to support the Fondren family, stay tuned for announcements regarding memorial services and the launch of the Larenz Fondren Nursing Scholarship Fund.