Woman, Son Die in Fiery Collision

A Lancaster woman and her son were killed and her daughter was seriously injured in a fiery collision on Sierra Highway in Palmdale, after their car was rear-ended and sent into oncoming traffic, authorities said.

Myrna Bernardi, 28, and Kaylen Culver, 8, died at the scene after Bernardi’s car was crushed Wednesday night by a 1-ton Dodge pickup, a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy said.

Deputy Jeff Perkins of the Palmdale sheriff’s station said that the children were wearing seat belts, while Bernardi was not. “But they were hit so hard, it wouldn’t have made a difference,” he said.

Bernardi is the former wife of Dallas Desperados arena football player Shannon Culver.

Their 12-year-old daughter, Chanelle Culver, who was flown to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, sustained two broken legs and several broken ribs, but is expected to make a full recovery, Perkins said.

Bernardi, who was engaged to be married, was driving in the fast lane when her car was clipped by a car moving into the next lane.

The accident sent Bernardi’s car spinning into oncoming traffic.

The driver of the truck that collided with Bernardi’s car had minor pains and his wife sustained a broken arm, Perkins said.

The driver of the car that rear-ended Bernardi, Margarito Layva, 52, of Lancaster, was not injured. He could face misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges, Perkins said.