A devastating high-speed crash in San Francisco has left a young woman grieving the loss of her boyfriend and her dog, as she recovers from serious injuries in the hospital.

Credit: KTVU

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday evening (January 19) when Linh Luu and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Mikhael ‘Misha’ Romanenko, were on their way to pick up her grandmother and aunt for a trip to the airport.

Also in the car was the couple’s miniature Golden Doodle, Keeper.

“I don’t understand why it happened the way it did, and I don’t know how I’m alive,” Luu told ABC 7 in a video interview from her hospital bed. “Honestly, I want to trade places with him.

“He had such a purpose in this world.”

The devastating scene. Credit: ABC7/YouTube

A Night of Tragedy

The crash happened just after 6:00PM at the intersection of 6th and Harrison streets.

According to police, a black Tesla barreled into seven vehicles, including a Waymo autonomous car, traveling at a reported speed of 98 miles per hour. Luu’s memories of the crash are fragmented, but one moment remains heartbreakingly clear.

“I remember looking over to him and saying, ‘I love you,’ and him saying, ‘I love you too,’ back to me,” Luu shared. “It was just one moment… after that, I was being wheeled into different rooms.”

Romanenko and Keeper did not survive the crash.

Seven other individuals were also left injured as a result of the devastating wreckage.

Luu, who suffered multiple broken bones, is now left grappling with the aftermath and replaying the moments she can remember.

Mikhael ‘Misha’ Romanenko. Credit: Family Handout.

“I do have a flashback of when I was back in the car and he was motionless,” Luu said tearfully. “It was like, ‘Oh my God, Misha,’ and he wasn’t responding. That’s all I remember.”

Driver Facing Charges

San Francisco police have arrested 66-year-old Jia Lin Zheng in connection with the crash. Zheng has been charged with vehicular manslaughter.

A police report obtained by ABC7 News anchor Dion Lim noted that Zheng did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol.

Luu opened up about their final moments together from her hospital bed. Credit: ABC7/YouTube

Hours after his arrest, a blood alcohol screening confirmed no presence of alcohol in his system. Zheng reportedly told investigators that he had been pressing the brakes, but the Tesla failed to slow down.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has since emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, per the Daily Mail.

‘It is critical that we take the time to diligently comb through all of the evidence and gather as much information as possible so that we’re able to make the correct charging decision,’ she said in a statement.

A Call for Change

From her hospital bed, Luu is reflecting on the safety of the intersection where the crash happened.

“I really want to know exactly what happened,” she said. “The way Sixth Street exists, you can go as fast as you want until you hit that stoplight, right?”

While struggling to process the loss, Luu is determined to keep Romanenko’s memory alive.

“He was just so much joy being around him,” she said. “Anyone who crossed paths with him in his life would definitely have a story or two about how he made them laugh, how he put a smile on their face.”

A Message to Others

As the investigation into the crash continues, Luu is urging others to cherish their loved ones and take nothing for granted.

“After losing everything and everyone, the love of my life,” Luu said, “Just please, hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them.”

Romanenko’s heartbreaking death marks the city’s second traffic fatality this year, while 2024 saw 41 lives lost to vehicular crashes. The intersection has also been described as a “hotspot” for accidents.

Speaking to San Francisco Chronicle, Luu said: “Something needs to be done.

“Just knowing how many car accidents and hit-and-runs there are, it is very hard to accept that it continues, leaving so many people in pain.”

The investigation is currently ongoing.

Our thoughts go out to Luu, the Romanenko family, and every person impacted by this tragedy.