More than 150 people came together to pay their respects to a New Jersey mother and her 11-year-old daughter, tragically killed in a head-on crash. The driver, an undocumented immigrant, was reportedly sober, according to the New York Post.

The funeral service for 42-year-old Maria Platez and her daughter Dayanara Cortez took place at Lakewood Funeral Home in Howell. Mourners wore custom shirts adorned with cheerful smiley faces as a tribute.

One tweet caught attention, referencing Raul Luna Perez, 43, who is accused of killing them in the accident. He had been residing in Red Bank since early 2023, yet still free despite several DUI arrests earlier this year and a domestic violence incident.

Amidst the sorrow, a voice called out “¿PorQué?” or “Why?” as the emotional weight filled the chapel.

On July 26, shortly after 11 PM, Platez had taken her daughter and a friend out for milkshakes when Luna-Perez allegedly collided with their Nissan Sentra. The impact tragically claimed Maria’s life instantly, and Dayanara was also severely injured.

Luna-Perez, a Mexican citizen living in the U.S. illegally, faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide. Additional charges may arise based on toxicology results, and he had been arrested twice for drinking and driving earlier this year.

Maria Platez was described as the family’s cornerstone—strong, kind, and hardworking. Originally from El Salvador, she had moved to the U.S. 24 years ago and worked in a local warehouse. Her 16-year-old daughter, who was at home during the incident, expressed her heartache, stating, “We wake up thinking it’s not real. It’s not the real thing yet.”