Westminster, Calif. – Haley Doan, a mother still mourning the loss of her 8‑year‑old daughter Jasmine, has opened a boba‑drink food truck named Sassy Boba. The truck, parked most weekdays at Sigler Park, is a tribute to Jasmine’s bright personality and her love of bubble tea.
From tragedy to entrepreneurship
On July 4, 2025, an illegal fireworks display set up on a street in Buena Park misfired, sending a cascade of fireworks toward a nearby residence. Police said the explosion struck Jasmine, who later died from her injuries. The homeowner who set off the display now faces manslaughter charges, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Doan’s family had previously run a small tea shop in Anaheim where Jasmine often helped behind the counter. After the tragedy, the shop closed, and Doan turned to the community for support. A GoFundMe campaign raised enough money for her to purchase a food‑truck chassis and convert it into a mobile boba shop.
Honoring Jasmine’s “bubbly” spirit
The truck’s bright graphics feature a cartoon version of Jasmine, based on a photo she shared on the GoFundMe page. “She loves boba,” Doan said. “I think it’s her bubbly side. She’s always happy, dancing.” Doan hopes each cup of tea brings a smile to customers, just as Jasmine’s smile brightened her family’s life.
“This is kind of like the community truck,” Doan explained. “All the money that helped us through the grieving time, I used it to create her memories.” She drives the truck herself, saying she feels Jasmine’s presence beside her while on the road.
Serving the neighborhood
Sassy Boba offers classic milk‑tea flavors, fruit teas, and the signature tapioca pearls that make the drink a favorite among teenagers and parents alike. Doan operates the truck Monday through Friday, positioning it near the playground and picnic areas of Sigler Park where families gather.
Local residents have responded positively. “It’s a lovely reminder that even in hard times, we can find ways to bring joy,” said longtime Westminster resident Maria Alvarez, who stopped for a drink on a recent afternoon. “Supporting a mom who’s turned her pain into something good feels right.”
Legal aftermath of the fireworks incident
The illegal fireworks that caused Jasmine’s death were placed in the street by the homeowner, according to the Orange County Police Department. The investigation determined that the display ignited other nearby fireworks, creating a chain reaction that struck the child. The suspect’s manslaughter case is pending in Orange County Superior Court.
Community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of California’s illegal fireworks laws, emphasizing the need to protect families during holiday celebrations. While the legal process continues, Doan’s Sassy Boba stands as a grassroots reminder of the real human cost of unlawful fireworks.
Looking ahead
Doan plans to expand the truck’s presence to other parks in Orange County, hoping to spread Jasmine’s “bubbly” spirit further. She also intends to donate a portion of profits to local charities that support grieving families and to organizations advocating for safer holiday celebrations.
“Every cup I serve is a little piece of Jasmine’s joy,” Doan said. “If I can bring a little peace to others, then her memory lives on.”
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
