A California mother experienced the heartbreaking moment of discovering her two children had died in a tragic car accident when authorities asked if her son wore braces.

Adrianna Cardenas, aged 25, and her younger brother, 18-year-old Adam Cardenas, lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision last Friday, reportedly caused by a driver going the wrong way.

The siblings were en route in a Tesla Model Y to pick up a cousin from the University of California, Santa Barbara, when their vehicle was struck by a Cadillac, officials reported.

“The driver of the Cadillac, for reasons still under investigation, veered into the westbound lane of State Route 18, directly into the path of the Tesla, resulting in a head-on collision,” the California Highway Patrol explained to the Victorville Daily Press.

The impact of the crash ignited both vehicles in flames, leading to the tragic loss of life.

Maria Cardenas rushed to the scene when she learned about the crash, and police began asking her questions to confirm her children’s identities. 

‘They were like, “Tell me about the kids,” and I’m trying to describe my daughter. And I’m just like, “She just got a haircut, and she has glasses,”‘ Cardenas told KABC through tears.

‘And they said, “Tell me about the boy,” and I said, “He has glasses, too,” and then they asked me if he had braces, and I said, “Yes, he still has braces.”

Adrianna Cardenas (right), 25, and her 18-year-old brother, Adam Cardenas, were killed in a fiery head-on collision on Friday

Their mother, Maria Cardenas (right), rushed to the scene when she learned about the crash, and police began asking her questions to confirm her children’s identities

‘My baby still had braces,’ she added. ‘Just sick to my stomach, you know?’

The Cadillac driver, who has not been identified, was also killed in the crash. CHP is still investigating the incident and is awaiting toxicology results on the Cadillac driver.

‘It’s just so tragic to lose both my children, because somebody might have been in a rush or late,’ said Cardenas. 

‘I don’t know what was on this person’s mind, or what rush this early in the morning. But I know my daughter is a good driver, and she had no time to react.’ 

The grieving mother described Adrianna as a responsible young woman who loved caring for her younger brother. 

‘We always wanted our kids to do better. That was our only daughter, and she took on the “mom” responsibilities. I’m her mom, but literally she [was] our mom, and very helpful,’ she said.

A GoFundMe has been created to support Cardenas, her husband and their son Alex.

‘With heavy hearts, we share the loss of our beloved children, Adrianna and Adam, who were taken from us in a tragic car accident through no fault of their own,’ the fundraiser said.

Cardenas with her three children, from left, Alex, Adam and Adrianna 

Cardenas said police asked her to confirm if her son had braces when she learned they had died in the crash

The siblings are survived by their mother (second from right), father (center) and Alex (right)

‘Our family is doing everything we can to honor their lives and lay them to rest with the love and dignity they deserve.’

Family member Barbara Gonzales-Whittington told VVNG that Adrianna and Adam had an incredible bond. 

‘From the moment they entered our lives, they brought love, laughter, and light to everyone around them,’ she said.

‘They shared a bond that was rare and beautiful – nearly inseparable – and their closeness was something that could be felt by all who knew them.’

She added, ‘Adrianna and Adam were both explorers at heart, filled with curiosity and a deep passion for discovering new places and experiences. 

‘They embraced life with joy and enthusiasm, always eager to learn, grow, and create memories together.’

A funeral for the brother and sister has been scheduled for February 3.