‘RIP Bunny’

Shrine goes up for local woman killed by a suspected drunken driver

This article was published on 12.15.16

A shrine in honor of Maria Flores sits near the corner of Nord and West Sacramento avenues, where the 20-year-old artist and poet was struck and killed by a suspected drunken driver early on the morning of Dec. 7. Known by her friends as “Bunny,” Flores is remembered for her free spirit, love of adventure and giving heart. A GoFundMe account has been started to help with funeral costs (search “Maria’s funeral fund”). Chicoan Bryan Dawson has been charged in Flores’ death. He faces arraignment Dec. 21 for felony gross vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony DUI and an enhancement for fleeing the scene. Dawson reportedly called police half an hour after the collision to report having been in an accident.

A shrine in honor of Maria Flores sits near the corner of Nord and West Sacramento avenues, where the 20-year-old artist and poet was struck and killed by a suspected drunken driver early on the morning of Dec. 7. Known by her friends as “Bunny,” Flores is remembered for her free spirit, love of adventure and giving heart. A GoFundMe account has been started to help with funeral costs (search “Maria’s funeral fund”). Chicoan Bryan Dawson has been charged in Flores’ death. He faces arraignment Dec. 21 for felony gross vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony DUI and an enhancement for fleeing the scene. Dawson reportedly called police half an hour after the collision to report having been in an accident.

Photo by Meredith J. Cooper

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