> At a Glance
> – A high-speed rear-end collision on Dec. 25 in Fairfax County, VA, left Annie Vu, 15, and Su Nguyen, 75, dead
> – Four relatives were hospitalized with severe injuries; 12-year-old Andy sustained serious brain injuries
> – The at-fault driver, allegedly topping 100 mph, has not been publicly identified and may face only misdemeanor charges
> – Why it matters: The surviving family is pushing for involuntary-manslaughter charges amid mounting medical and funeral costs
A holiday dinner outing turned fatal for the Vu family when their van was struck from behind while traveling home on the Beltway in Fairfax County, Virginia, on December 25. The impact killed a sophomore at Annandale High School and her grandmother and left four others, including a 12-year-old boy, with severe injuries.
The Collision
Virginia State Police told relatives the striking vehicle was moving at more than 100 mph when it rear-ended the family’s van. The driver has not been named, and toxicology results are pending; prosecutors have not announced formal charges.
The crash claimed the lives of Annie Vu, 15, and Su Nguyen, 75, a devout Catholic who helped care for her grandchildren while their parents worked. The four surviving passengers were rushed to hospital; Andy Vu, 12, was discharged four days later but faces long-term care for brain trauma.
Aftermath and Appeal
A GoFundMe organized by relative Rachel Vu has surpassed its initial $20,000 goal to cover:
- Funeral expenses for Annie and Su
- Medical bills for the hospitalized relatives
- Ongoing therapy and care for Andy
Annie’s mother, Duy Cao, who was driving, told NBC Washington:
> “I don’t know how to, how to live.”
Rachel Vu added:
> “Although the driver of the truck has apparently fled to avoid arrest, we’re committed to bringing them and all others responsible to justice.”
Push for Stronger Charges
The family is lobbying prosecutors to file involuntary-manslaughter charges rather than misdemeanors once toxicology results are complete. A school tribute posted on Facebook described Annie as a “dedicated, bright, and hard-working student” and alleged the other driver was intoxicated.
Key Takeaways
- Two family members died and four were critically hurt in a Christmas-night Beltway crash
- Police say the at-fault driver exceeded 100 mph; identity and charges remain pending
- The surviving 12-year-old faces long-term brain-injury care
- A GoFundMe has exceeded its goal, but the family continues pressing for felony prosecution
As funeral arrangements proceed, the Vu family asks the public to “pray for my mother-in-law and for my daughter so they can, you know, in heaven,” An Vu said.
