Second Modesto girl dies after being hit by car in crosswalk
Two Modesto teenage girls have died after a car struck them in a crosswalk during a crash on Coffee Road, according to local police.
Two teenage pedestrians have died in Modesto from injuries suffered during a traffic collision, according to the Modesto Police Department. The second victim passed away over the weekend at a hospital following the collision. Both victims attended Modesto High School, according to Modesto City Schools officials.
The collision happened around 8:50 p.m. on Friday. Officers said a vehicle struck two girls in a crosswalk along the 1100 block of Coffee Road near Downey High School.
Emergency crews took both teenagers to a local hospital. Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, died there soon after the crash.
Selena Guerrero, the organizer of a fundraiser for the family of Magallon, shared a statement online.
“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,” Guerrero said. “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.”
The department confirmed Monday that 14-year-old Nicole Cotzojay also succumbed to her injuries. Families for both teenagers created fundraisers to cover funeral expenses.
Jonathan Santos organized a fundraiser for the family of Cotzojay.
“On Friday, October 9, Nicole was hit by a car and spent the night in critical condition. By Saturday morning, our family was told she would not make it. Just 7 days earlier, we were celebrating Nicole’s 15th birthday,” Santos said. “Now, our family is living through unimaginable pain. Nicole was a young, intelligent girl who brought so much joy to her home, her siblings, and her parents. Her loss has left everyone around her heartbroken.”
Police investigators are searching for surveillance video recorded near the roadway. Traffic collision investigations typically gather physical evidence and video to determine how a crash occurred.
Officers in Modesto continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information may contact local authorities.
