Natividad security guard remembered one year after deadly crash

Thursday night marks one year since a Natividad Medical Center security guard was hit and killed as she tried to help a patient out of the street. At an emotional remembrance in Salinas, Williams’ best friends said she was a fun and energetic person.

Family and friends honoring Williams for the sacrifice she made said knowing it’s been a year since her tragic death is difficult. The patient Williams tried to save was also killed by a suspected DUI driver. They’re choosing to remember Williams with some special hand-written notes, attached to lanterns. Those who knew her best, gathered outside First Alarm in Salinas, to honor her life and dedication to the job.

“I love her and I miss her a lot,” said Osbaldo Jimenez.

Williams had just been promoted to corporal. But before she could receive her brass badge, Williams and a woman who had just been discharged from Natividad, were hit and killed in front of the hospital where Williams stood guard.

On Thursday, Williams was honored as the company employee of the year. Her mother said she’s grateful for the support from her daughter’s former co-workers.

“A memorial to my daughter, I still have a lot of friends,” said mother Lorena Rascon.

Police said Williams rushed to help the patient, Cynthia Lane, after she fell in the street trying to get into a random car near Constitution and Laurel. Francisco Miranda, who police said hit and killed the women while driving high, is awaiting a trial on murder charges. Williams’ friends said seeking justice is helping them heal.

“Part of getting over the anger part for me is having someone responsible for this. Because its not okay that this happened,” said Cynthia Ojeda.

During a preliminary hearing, Miranda admitted to investigators that he’d smoked marijuana three hours before the accident, after facing two DUIs in 2013.

While closure isn’t a reality yet, Williams’ friends said the hand-written messages are helping relieve some of the pain.

“It means a lot that they haven’t forgotten. It’s been a year and for a lot of people life goes on. but for us we think of her daily,” said Ojeda.

Last month, both families filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Natividad Medical Center, accusing the hospital of negligence for releasing Lane too early. As for Miranda, his case has been delayed because he faces other charges related to an attack on a jail deputy.