A teenage girl and a 54-year-old man were killed in a high-speed crash after their vehicle split into two due to the impact in the Palmdale. The deceased were identified as the father and daughter, family members told to Eyewitness News.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Palmdale sheriff's officials responded to the scene of the single-vehicle collision on the 25th Street East and Joshua Hills Drive shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. A 2014 Chevy Camaro was seen split into two at the intersection.
Sheriff's officials said that the bright yellow car was traveling at a high rate of speed on to the southbound 25th Street East when it lost control and hit a traffic signal. The high speed impact sheared the Camaro in half and left the car into pieces.
The 54-year-old man and the 17-year-old girl inside the car were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were not yet released by the officials, but the family members identified them as Vanessa and Manny Paniagua. Family members said that the father and daughter were returning home from dinner. The car crash happened less than a mile away from their home.
Pedestrian Killed By Hit-and-run
Martha Castro, sister and aunt to the victims said that, "it's never easy losing a family member. When it comes to two people it's even worse."
According to the family, Manny Paniagua had a wife and six children, Vanessa was the youngest among the six children. His family also said that, Manny Paniagua would have turned 55 years old on the Valentine's Day.
Witnesses said that the car appeared to be involved in a street race when the crash occurred, but the authorities had not confirmed the account of the witnesses. Officials said that they were still investigating the cause of the collision.
The family members said they were not sure if the father and daughter were racing someone, but if they were, they asked that anyone who was involved to please come forward.
Anyone with the information was urged to contact the Palmdale Station Traffic Department at (661) 272-2400.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the Paniagua family and also with the funeral costs.
By Mrudula.
