Two teenage best friends were killed in a violent car crash, splitting their vehicle in two, just minutes from their homes.
Sixteen-year-old Isabell DeLand and 17-year-old Maddalyn Dailey, both of Victorville, were killed Friday after a three-car collision left their Acura TL split in half, killing them instantly, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The two other cars involved in the crash were reportedly speeding in a 55-mph speed limit zone, according to authorities.
One of the drivers — now charged with manslaughter — remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, while the other allegedly fled the scene on foot leaving behind a minor.
Authorities are now searching for the man as the families of the two girls seek the public’s help in identifying him.
Relatives of the two best friends spoke to NBCLA, shedding light on what their final conversations with their daughters were like.
“She left,” Dustin Dailey said, recalling his daughter Maddalyn telling him she was dropping off her friend and would be back in time for dinner. “I heard the garage door close, and within a minute, I heard the impact and I automatically knew. It’s a death trap because there are no signals.”
The father, visibly emotional, said his daughter wanted to join the military after high school.
Megan DeLand, Isabell’s mother, said she is still in disbelief, especially because she had just received her daughter’s senior photos.
“Every day since it’s happened, it’s been a struggle to get through my day,” she said. “I haven’t been to work and haven’t left the house.”
A GoFundMe campaign for the two girls’ families was launched and has raised tens of thousands of dollars.
“As our family navigates this devastating loss, we are also facing the unexpected financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses,” Maddalyn’s family wrote on the GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $30,000. “We are asking for support to help ease some of that burden and allow our family to focus on grieving, honoring Maddalyn’s life, and coming together to celebrate the beautiful person she was.”
The girls had known each other since grade school and were both attending Sultana High School.
“Isabell was beautiful inside and out, sweet, funny, silly, smart, strong in her faith, and deeply loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had big dreams, worked hard in school, loved her church, and brought so much joy to the people around her,” one of the family members said.
“No mother should ever have to bury her child,” Isabell’s family added on the GoFundMe page, which had raised just over $21,000.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash or the driver who fled the scene to contact 760-241-1186.
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