A California community is mourning the heartbreaking deaths of two teenage girls who were struck by a vehicle while crossing a street near a high school football game.
Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, and Nicole Cotzojay, 15, both students at Modesto High School, died after being hit Friday night, October 9, in Modesto, California.
The tragedy became even more devastating when Nicole’s family confirmed Sunday that she had died from her injuries, just one week after celebrating her 15th birthday.
According to the Modesto Police Department, the crash happened around 8:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of Coffee Road, near Thomas Downey High School.
Investigators said the girls were walking in a marked crosswalk when a southbound vehicle struck them. The teenagers were reportedly heading to a football game at the nearby school.
Police officers stationed near the game rushed to the scene and immediately began performing CPR on both girls until emergency medical personnel arrived.
The teenagers were transported to local hospitals with critical injuries.
Camila died shortly after the crash, while Nicole remained hospitalized as doctors fought to save her life.
By Sunday, Nicole’s family received the devastating news that she had not survived.
In an emotional update shared on a GoFundMe page established to help with funeral expenses, her family confirmed her death and described the overwhelming grief of losing her so suddenly.
Just seven days before the accident, Nicole had celebrated her 15th birthday with loved ones.
What should have been a joyful time filled with birthday memories had instead become one of the most painful experiences her family had ever faced.
Camila’s family is also struggling with an unimaginable loss.
In a separate fundraiser, relatives remembered the 16-year-old as a loving daughter and sister who meant the world to those closest to her.
“Camila was an amazing daughter and sister, deeply loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her,” organizer Selena Guerrero wrote.
Her family said Camila had an entire future ahead of her and would forever hold a special place in their hearts.
The deaths have shaken the Modesto High School community, where both girls were students.
Modesto City Schools Superintendent Vanessa Buitrago expressed condolences to the grieving families and announced that counseling and emotional support would be available for students and staff.
The district also encouraged students and community members to wear Modesto High School’s red and black colors on Monday and Tuesday as a gesture of solidarity.
Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine exactly how the collision occurred.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. An evaluation by a drug recognition expert found no signs of impairment.
Authorities have not announced charges or publicly identified the driver. Investigators are reviewing evidence from the scene and searching for surveillance footage that may help reconstruct the crash.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns about pedestrian safety near schools, particularly along busy roads where students and families frequently cross to attend sporting events.
For the families of Camila and Nicole, the investigation continues as they prepare to say goodbye to two teenagers whose lives ended far too soon.
Both families have established fundraisers to help cover funeral expenses as their community rallies around them during an unimaginable loss.
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