Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, of Modesto died after being struck by a vehicle on Coffee Road on Friday night, Oct. 9.
GoFundMe
The two girls struck in a Coffee Road crosswalk Friday night near Downey High School have been identified as Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, and Nicole Cotzojay, 15, both Modesto High School students.
The collision was at about 8:50 p.m. Friday in the 1100 block of Coffee Road. Police officers performed lifesaving efforts on the girls until medical personnel took over.
Both were taken to local hospitals. Camila died from her injuries, while the latest confirmed report on Nicole was that she remained in critical condition.
On a GoFundMe page titled “In Loving Memory of Camila Mendoza Magallon,” Selena Guerrero wrote, “Camila was an amazing daughter and sister, deeply loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her. At just 16 years old, she had so much life ahead of her, and it is impossible to put into words the pain of losing her far too soon. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and her love and memory will live on through all of us who cherish her.”
A message sent from Modesto City Schools Superintendent Vanessa Buitrago to district families on Saturday afternoon reads in part, “The loss of a young life is an unimaginable tragedy, and we know this news will be especially difficult for the students, staff, and families of Modesto High School. In the days ahead, our district will ensure that counseling and emotional support resources are available to students and staff who need them.
“During moments of profound sorrow, the strength of a school community is found in the compassion and care we extend to one another. I ask that we come together in support of the families affected by this tragedy, respect their privacy, and surround all those who are grieving with kindness and understanding. It may seem like a small gesture, but expressing support for our MoHi families can be as simple as wearing the Panther colors, red and black, this Monday and Tuesday.”
A GoFundMe page also has been established for Nicole. And though titled “Help Support Nicole’s Funeral Expenses,” organizer Jonathan Santos, who identifies himself as a cousin, posted an update Sunday that the teen remains hospitalized.
“Our family has received heartbreaking news from the doctors regarding her condition, and we have been told that she may not survive,” the update reads, in part. “We want to clarify that Nicole has not passed away. Although her condition is extremely critical and the doctors have given us devastating news, our family continues to hold on to hope as we wait for further updates.”
The Police Department’s preliminary investigation of the collision indicates the driver was traveling south on Coffee Road and struck the girls, who were in a crosswalk. Details of how the collision occurred are under investigation.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. A drug evaluation found no signs of impairment.
Police continue to review the scene and seek potential surveillance video.
Deke has been an editor and reporter with The Modesto Bee since 1995. He currently does breaking-news, education and human-interest reporting. A Beyer High grad, he studied geology and journalism at UC Davis and CSU Sacramento.
