Vigil Gathers After Street Racing Accident
Three vehicles that were illegally street racing are being blamed in the death of a 9-year-old girl in Dallas last month. According to a story reported by the CBS Local station in Dallas, a community gathered together for a vigil on Sunday, May 26th, to pay their respects and to say goodbye.
Olivia Menendez was with her family in the 10700 block of Lake June Road on Friday, May 24th, when one of the three cars that were drag racing went into the path of the vehicle being driven by her father. The two cars met head-on.
Emergency crews transported Olivia along with her three-year-old sister, her mother, and her father to an area hospital for treatment. Doctors pronounced Olivia dead shortly after arrival at the trauma center. While Olivia’s little sister has been released from the hospital, both of her parents remain in the hospital. Her mother is listed in critical condition.
Emma, Olivia’s three-year-old sister, survived the crash and was in attendance at the vigil along with family, Olivia’s classmates, and members of the community. Those who were interviewed recalled how kind and caring Olivia had been to those around her. It is clear that she will be missed.
Olivia was a student at Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary School and was due to begin the 5th grade in the fall.
Saul Hernandez, Olivia’s uncle, told reporters that his niece’s death could have been prevented and that the problem of street racing is a common one and that it happens at least once a month in the same area. He makes it a point to report it to the police when he sees or hears them.