Authorities and loved ones have identified two teenage girls killed when a possible street racer slammed into their car in Victorville over the weekend as their families continue trying to come to grips with the sudden loss.
Maddalyn Dailey, 17, of Victorville died in the fiery collision, which took place shortly after 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Ridgecrest Road and Elmwood Drive, according to San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.
A 16-year-old Hesperia girl who was riding as a passenger in the Acura was also killed in the wreck, but was yet to be identified by coroner’s officials.
Family identified the passenger by first name Isabell and described the two young victims as best friends.
The two girls were riding in an Acura TL traveling on Elmwood Drive prior to the wreck, according to the California Highway Patrol.
“Preliminary investigation revealed the yellow Chevrolet Camaro and the black Dodge Charger were observed at a high rate of speed while traveling northbound on Ridgecrest Road, approaching Elmwood Drive,” the agency said in a written statement. “The Acura proceeded from Elmwood Drive into the intersection with Ridgecrest Road, where the crash occurred.”
The high-speed impact sheared the Acura in half, killing the two teenage girls inside, officials said.
Investigators said the driver of the Chevrolet ran from the scene and remained at large, while the driver of the Dodge remained and cooperated with officers, according to the CHP. A description of the hit-and-run driver was not released.
Officials searched the area and checked local hospitals, but the hit-and-run driver was not found.
Witnesses initially reported the Chevrolet and Dodge appeared to have been racing in the area at the time of the crash, CHP log show.
It was not clear whether DUI was suspected, or whether any arrests had been made.
CHP Capt. Cameron Broyles offered sympathies to those affected by the deadly collision.
“The CHP extends its condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic crash,” he said.
Remembering Maddalyn Dailey
An online fundraiser established to help Dailey’s family had received more than $28,000 in community donations as of Monday, Aug. 17.
She had just begun her senior year at Sultana High School, “with so much life ahead of her,” loved ones said in a statement.
“She tragically lost her life alongside her best friend, leaving an unimaginable hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved them,” the statement said.
Remembering Isabell
Family members described Isabell as “beautiful inside and out, sweet, funny, silly, smart, strong in her faith, and deeply loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her.”
She, too, had just begun her senior year of high school.
“She had big dreams, worked hard in school, loved her church, and brought so much joy to the people around her,” loved ones said in a statement accompanying an online fundraiser.
The fund had garnered over $16,000 in support.
“Our beautiful Isabell was tragically taken from us in a horrific and preventable accident along with her best friend caused by illegal street racing,” the statement said. “No mother should ever have to bury her child.”
Sultana High School announced its “Senior Sunrise” event, which had been planned for Monday, Aug. 17, was postponed due to the tragedy.
The investigation was being handled by the CHP’s Victorville Area Office. Anyone with information was asked to contact Officer C. Jeffrey at (760) 241-1186.
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Two teen girls killed in violent Victorville wreck mourned
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
