4 in Family Killed, 3 Children Hospitalized After Van Overturns

Four members of a Los Angeles family were killed and three children remained hospitalized Monday after their van overturned.

The family was returning Sunday from a weekend camping trip to Lake Havasu when their minivan rolled over shortly before 2 p.m. on Interstate 40, about 50 miles west of Needles.

Nine family members were in the van, California Highway Patrol Officer M.O. Baker said. The van’s rated capacity is seven occupants.

The driver, 41-year-old Delmy Marin of Los Angeles, apparently lost control of the van and over-corrected when it slipped off the road, Baker said.

Officers suspect she may have become drowsy, but their investigation will continue for several weeks, he said.

Marin, who received minor injuries, was one of only two in the van wearing a seat belt, Baker said.

The other, Medardo Marin, 77, died at the scene. The other three fatalities:

* Leonor Brizulea, 48, of Los Angeles, who died at the scene.

* Jasmine Brizulea, 21, of Van Nuys, who was ejected and died Sunday evening at University Medical Center.

* A 5-year-old boy who was ejected and died at the scene. His name was not released.

An 11-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl were in serious to critical condition Monday night at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. A 10-year-old boy from Van Nuys was in fair condition, a hospital spokeswoman said. Authorities did not release their names.

The driver’s son, Melvin Marin, 20, of Los Angeles, received minor injuries.