Gross vehicular manslaughter charge against suspect in fatal San Leandro crash that killed beloved school employee

SAN LEANDRO — An Oakland man has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter following a May 11 collision that police said happened when his speeding car fatally hit a vehicle car driven by a beloved elementary school employee and mother of three children.

Killed in the crash was Andrea Sanchez, 50, of San Leandro.

The charge against the suspect, Chuliao Wu, 32, also included an enhancement clause that he fled the crash scene before police arrived, according to court records. Those same records indicate Wu admitted he was driving his vehicle when the crash happened about 5:09 p.m. at the intersection of Corvallis Street and Dartmouth Avenue.

Court records said Wu was driving a Mercedes Benz that video recovered at the scene showed was going in excess of 60 mph, more than double the street speed limit. Video also showed the car had been passing other vehicles before it collided with a Kia that Sanchez drove, court records stated.

She died at a hospital.

Wu fled the scene on foot and was subsequently identified as the driver of the Mercedes.

Authorities arrested Wu on May 27. He is being held at Santa Rita Jail in lieu of $125,000 bail and is scheduled to enter a plea June 8.

In addition to her role as a mom to three, Sanchez worked in the cafeteria at Corvallis Elementary School in the 14000 block of Corvalis Street in San Leandro. The school is in the San Lorenzo Unified School District.

She was better known as “Chef Andrea,” or “Dre.”

The school’s PTA wrote on social media that Sanchez was a “beloved staff member, friend and bright light within our school and throughout the community.” At a candlelight vigil last month, the organization said community members “gathered in front of the school to pay tribute, support one another and reflect on the incredible impact she had on so many lives. . . . The soft glow of candlelight is a powerful reminder of the love our community carries for Chef Andrea.”

The school district on its web wrote that “it is with deepest sadness that we share the sudden passing of Andrea “Dre” Sanchez, a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, coworker, and ‘Auntie’ to so many. Dre was truly one of a kind, bringing joy, warmth, and positivity to every room she entered. She had a remarkable way of making people feel loved, seen, and uplifted.

“Her big, beautiful smile and unforgettable belly laugh could brighten even the hardest days. Her kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit touched every single one of us. The impact she made on her family, friends, coworkers, and the students who adored her is immeasurable!

“This loss has left an enormous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.”