The life of Victor Valley High School graduate Jhenéy Wallace will be celebrated with a balloon release this weekend in Apple Valley.
Jhenéy, a 2024 graduate of Victor Valley High and a member of the Victor Valley College Women’s Basketball team, died this week “in a tragic car accident,” her family said.
The deadly wreck occurred at about 1:53 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, off I-15 near Kenwood Avenue in the Cajon Pass, according to the California Highway Patrol. Two other people were injured in the crash, authorities said.
In the GoFundMe page “Celebrating Jhenéy Wallace‘s Beautiful Life,” Tamara Wallace said, “Our family is heartbroken after the sudden loss of my beloved daughter, Jhenéy Wallace.”
Tamara said Jhenéy was so much more than a daughter; she was her firstborn and her best friend.
“She was a loving big sister, cherished granddaughter, niece, cousin, teammate, and friend whose kindness, bright smile, and loving spirit touched so many lives,” Tamara said. “Her passing has left an unimaginable void in not just my heart but everyone she was around.”
Tamara explained that the public’s support will help give Jhenéy a homegoing service she deserves, and one that “truly honors her life and the love she shared with everyone around her.”
Lady Rams
A post on the college team’s Instagram account said they are celebrating the life of one of their own, “Rest in peace Jheney.”
The team said Jhenéy was more than a teammate: “She was a friend, a daughter, a sister, cousin, granddaughter, and a cherished member of our Ram family whose impact will never be forgotten.”
“Thank you for the amazing teammate, friend and person you were,” the college post stated. “You brought light into every room and you will be missed endlessly. We send our condolences to your loved ones.”
Forever a Lady Jackrabbit
Riverside Preparatory High School Coach Brandon Henderson took to social media to say he’s heartbroken over the loss of Jhenéy.
Henderson said Jhenéy was a huge part of his first year coaching at Victor Valley High, as she helped turn the girls’ basketball program around through her leadership, work ethic and commitment to her teammates.
Henderson said Jhenéy represented Victor Valley High School with pride through Heritage, girls basketball, track and field, and PLUS, and that she made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“She earned All-League honors, but what I’ll remember most is the person she was,” Henderson said. “She led by example, gave everything she had, and made those around her better every single day.”
Henderson said he can’t thank Jhenéy enough for everything she did on and off the court. Her impact on the basketball program and on his coaching career will never be forgotten.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wallace family, her friends, teammates, classmates, and everyone whose lives she touched,” Henderson said. “Thank you for everything. You will forever be a Lady Jackrabbit and forever a part of the Victor Valley family. Rest easy, Jheney.”
The Victor Valley College Women’s Basketball team will host the balloon release to celebrate Jhenéy’s celebration of life at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at Civic Center Park at 14999 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley.
“As we come together to honor Jheney’s memory, we ask that you keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts,” the team said. “Forever a Ram. Forever in our hearts.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Life of Victor Valley High School grad Jhenéy Wallace to be celebrated
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
