FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Family members of 22-year-old Amaya Chenot expressed their final thoughts in court Wednesday after her tragic death in April 2023.
“I will always keep her memory alive by talking about her,” says her aunt, Tawney Chenot. “Another day without you, Amaya, but your vibrant spirit remains alive in our hearts. You were taken from us far too soon, and the world has never felt the same since.”
Chenot’s life was cut short when then 53-year-old John Ashcraft ran a red light and t-boned her car on Friant and Shepherd in northeast Fresno.
The incident was captured on video by Daniel Wells, who lives in the area.
“I’ll never forget the day she never walked through our front door,” Chenot said. “I’ll never forget the phone call from the coroner telling me.”
Chenot’s family spoke directly to Ashcraft ahead of his sentencing.
“You took my niece’s life and completely devastated my family, shattering and changing our entire world,” Tawney Chenot.
Ashcraft was sentenced to six years in prison for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and his driving privileges are suspended for life.
“It is hard to take in and grasp that he’s only going to do six years,” says Lindsay Chenot. “No time is going to bring her back.”
Flowers, notes, holiday decorations and loving photos of Chenot are set up near the crash site as her family keeps her memory alive.
