CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A day after two Clinton-Massie High School students were killed in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 73, one family is focusing on remembering the good times.
18-year-old Rosalinda Mendoza was driving along the state route Tuesday evening with 15-year-old Prezzleigh Goldie.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mendoza lost control over her vehicle and drove off the right side of the road. From there, she drove back onto the roadway and overcorrected left of the center line where she crashed into another vehicle.
Both Mendoza and Goldie, who were described as best friends, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people from the other vehicle in the crash — which remains under investigation — were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, OSHP said.
Melissa Donaldson, Rosa's aunt, said the 18-year-old's mother was the first person from the family on-scene at the crash.
"That's when we found the news that the girls were gone," Donaldson said.
Though they are grieving, the Mendoza family said they are focused on remembering Rosa — a bubbly person who loved makeup and TikTok.
"She'd make a TikTok, and she'd show everybody, 'Look, look what I made,'" Donaldson said. "The amazing things she'd come up with. She was just so proud of that. The things she could do."
Inside Clinton-Massie on Wednesday, post-it notes filled the two students' lockers.
Grief counselors were available at the school both Tuesday night and Wednesday, and the Mendozas said they are overwhelmed by the support from the school and community.
"It's been amazing," Donaldson said. "The school was open last night. Many students that went to the school. Counselors waiting for them. They're so supportive right now. They're telling us they can reach out for counselors for us. Asking if they can do anything for the family."
A candlelight vigil is being held Friday at 5 p.m. at Clinton-Massie High School for the two girls.
Amber Breedlove, a family friend of the Mendozas, said a GoFundMe has been set up. As of Wednesday afternoon, thousands of dollars had already been donated to help the family with unexpected funeral expenses.
"No parent should have to stress about financials when it comes to a situation like this, " Breedlove said. "A lot of people are like, 'how can I help?' 'What can I do?'"
Donaldson said the Mendozas also want to recognize that the Goldie's need just as much support as their family does. WCPO reached out to the Goldie family who is asking for privacy at the moment.
"We also want Prezzleigh's family to know that we want everyone to recognize that they're hurting too, just as much as we are," Donaldson said. "They need prayers. Just as much as we do."
