A quiet early morning turned tragic when a 60-year-old woman in a wheelchair was struck and killed on Forty Mile Road, a busy stretch between the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Toyota Amphitheatre.
Now, her grieving family is urging officials to take immediate action to prevent another devastating loss.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Cynthia Romero, identified by her family, was a stroke survivor who had been paralyzed on one side of her body. Despite her physical challenges, she remained strong, independent, and deeply committed to helping others.
A mother of six and grandmother to ten, Romero spent most of her life working as a social worker — advocating for people facing hardship and standing up for the less fortunate.
“She deserved better,” her daughter Alicia Morales said. “We don’t want her death to be in vain. She was always advocating for others. We just want to carry that forward.”
The Early Morning Crash
Authorities say the crash happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. Romero had reportedly been at the nearby Hard Rock Casino and was heading home when she was struck by a vehicle.
The driver remained at the scene, and emergency responders attempted life-saving measures. Tragically, Romero was pronounced dead in the roadway.
Investigators indicated that drugs or alcohol were not believed to be factors in the crash.
A Road Described as “Like a Freeway”
For Romero’s family, the tragedy highlights a larger issue — the safety of Forty Mile Road.
Morales describes the roadway as dangerously fast.
“Just hearing the cars go by, it’s at such a great speed. It’s a highway, but it feels like a freeway,” she said.
The family believes better lighting, visible crosswalks, sidewalks, and accessible paths for wheelchair users could have made a difference.
“Somebody could have seen her. If there was more visibility, more light — maybe things would be different,” Morales added.
Growing Development, Growing Concerns
The area surrounding Forty Mile Road has seen increasing development. Plans for expanded hotels and entertainment venues are underway, and Yuba County previously announced a major infrastructure project to extend Highway 70 and connect it to a future sports and entertainment zone.
That project includes pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements — but Romero’s family says waiting is not an option.
“These things need to happen now,” Morales stressed.
With more people expected to visit the area in the coming years, the family fears similar tragedies could occur if proactive measures aren’t taken immediately.
A Petition for Change
Romero’s loved ones have launched a petition demanding safety upgrades along the roadway. Their requests include:
- Sidewalk construction
- Improved street lighting
- Clearly marked crosswalks
- Accessible routes for wheelchair users
- Speed control measures
They say this is not the first fatal incident in the area — and without intervention, it may not be the last.
Remembering Cynthia Romero
Beyond the tragic headlines, Romero is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, advocate, and survivor. Her family says she fought hard through life’s challenges — and they now hope her passing will bring attention to a safety issue affecting many.
As development moves forward in the region, her story stands as a powerful reminder: growth must be matched with safety.
Her family’s message is clear — no one else should have to lose a loved one on that road.
