ARLINGTON – Regulars at Paraiso’s are reaching out to help the family that runs the Mexican restaurant after a tragedy left the family in limbo.
Almost two months after a terrible car crash, Jesica Aldrete, 27, of Arlington remains in a coma.
| A benefit breakfast and auction is scheduled from 7-11 a.m. March 12 and 13 at Paraiso’s, 3611 168th St. NE in Arlington.
To see a list of auction items, visit www.letshelpjessica.com. A charity motorcycle rally is planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14, beginning at Paraiso’s. |
Her parents, Benjamin Soltero, 45, and his wife, Aurora Aldrete, 43, of Arlington, are trying their best to manage. They are taking care of their daughter’s two children, in addition to one of their own, because Jesica Aldrete is a single mother.
Customers of Paraiso’s know the family well because Soltero and both Aldretes worked there. Soltero’s brother, Marciano, owns the restaurant.
The family must pay Jesica Aldrete’s rent but no longer has her income. Aurora Aldrete quit working to be at home with the kids and visit Jesica.
That’s a hardship, too, because Jesica Aldrete is in a special-care facility in Tacoma.
“This traveling back and forth to Tacoma is killing us,” Soltero said.
Friends and customers are organizing a benefit breakfast, auction and a motorcycle run March 12-14, all at Paraiso’s.
“It’s one of those odd cases of people needing a little extra help,” said Michelle Anderson, a regular customer from Lake Stevens.
Anderson said Jesica Aldrete is well-liked. “She used to wait on us a lot,” Anderson said. “She was always very friendly, very talkative.”
The accident changed that. Jesica Aldrete was riding in the front passenger seat at night on New Year’s Eve when her car was struck from behind by a van, according to police reports.
In the car with her were fiance Francisco Grimaldo, who was driving, and his brother Miguel Grimaldo, who was killed.
Jesica Aldrete suffered a massive head injury and has been in a coma ever since. She breathes and eats through tubes, Soltero said.
Francisco Grimaldo’s injuries were less serious.
The driver of the van, Andrew Wolfe, 35, of Seattle was charged in Snohomish County Superior Court with one count of vehicular homicide and one count of vehicular assault, said Joan Cavagnaro, a county prosecutor. Police allege that Wolfe’s blood-alcohol content registered .16, twice the legal limit, less than two hours after the collision, she said.
Medical prognoses for Jesica Aldrete have been uncertain, Soltero said.
“She’s got the advantage of being young and strong and healthy,” he said. “We’re not giving up hope. She’s coming back home.”
The family helped raise money to send Miguel Grimaldo’s body back to his family in Mexico, Soltero said.
Soltero was moved by the community’s response. The benefit auction already has 56 items from area businesses, and he gets hugs and support from customers.
“It just made me cry … I didn’t know how many people, friends cared for us,” Soltero said. “It’s just been phenomenal.”
The family has been focusing prayers and good thoughts about Jesica Aldrete, Soltero said.
“I have a lot of faith that she’ll come through,” he said.
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