Loved ones are rallying to help an 81-year-old woman who lost both of her legs after an impaired driver crashed into her in Boyle Heights.

The crash occurred on July 7 as Cristina Vargas, along with her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, and their male friend, were enjoying lunch at a sidewalk table outside Los Cinco Puntos restaurant.

They had just visited a relative’s home nearby when they decided to grab a bite to eat that afternoon around 3:20 p.m.

Surveillance footage captured the moment an SUV driver suddenly lost control of their vehicle and crashed into the group of outdoor diners.

Cristina Vargas, 81, lost both her legs after an impaired driver crashed into her while she was dining outdoors at a Boyle Heights restaurant on July 7, 2026. (GoFundMe)
Cristina Vargas and her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, of Whittier, are seen in a family photo. (GoFudMe)

“I remember I just heard screeching and I was lifting up my head and I just saw headlights and a bumper and I heard a big boom,” Gabriela told KTLA’s Chris Wolfe. “The next thing I knew, I was airborne.”

Cristina’s lower body was pinned under the vehicle while her daughter, Gabriela, suffered a head injury and a deep laceration on her knee. The two women, along with their male friend, were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The victims said they were still stunned by how the suspect driver behaved just moments after the crash.

“She wasn’t doing much of anything except asking for a lighter for her cigarette,” Gabriela said. “It was just unbelievable.”

Gabriela said a police report showed the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. The female suspect, who was not identified, was arrested and charged with various felonies.

Since the crash, Cristina has undergone three surgeries and eventually had both of her legs amputated. Her daughter and their friend have since recovered from their injuries.

Gabriela Vargas and her mother, Cristina Vargas, speak with KTLA on Aug. 29, 2026. (KTLA)

With a long road ahead, Cristina said she’s thankful to be alive and has been keeping a positive mindset.

She’s been undergoing physical therapy at a rehabilitation center and will soon be heading home. She’s looking forward to being surrounded by her family and friends again.

As a widow and mother of two, she said she does not feel bitter about her journey.

“My goal is to give her the best quality of care from here on out,” Gabriela said of her mother.

A GoFundMe page to help the Vargas family with medical and recovery expenses can be found here.