Candlelight vigil held for 15-year-old killed in Saturday crash in Gilroy

Chris Salcido describes his 15-year-old daughter Natalia as beautiful, driven, and thoughtful. An active member of the community, hundreds showed up to her candle light vigil Monday at Christopher High School in Gilroy. It’s clear she touched many lives.

“To have that time that we had with her, to have heard her laughter and see her smile,” said an emotional Salcido about his daughter.

Natalia was killed Saturday night on Miller Avenue in Gilroy. Investigators said she was in a car that went off the road and hit a tree. The driver and back passenger were able to get out of the car, but Natalia did not survive.

“To say we’ll miss her is an understatement. She’ll always be with us,” said Salcido.

Gilroy police are investigating the cause ofthe crash.They saydrugs and alcohol don’t appear to be a factor.

Officers say the accident is a reminder about the many dangers teens face behind the wheel.

“Whether it’s texting, whether it’s peer pressure behind the wheel… or playing with the radio, reaching down for something that they spilled or dropped on the floor. It’s not worth it,” said Officer Herb Kellogg with the California Highway Patrol.

With prom season coming up and summer just months away, police said the best wayto prevent tragic accidents like the one on Saturday, is talk with your kids.

“It only takes a split second or not paying attention to lose your life,” said Kellogg.

Sunday would have beenNatalia’s 16th birthday.

“We’ll always think of her as our Natalia and part of us. But she was so much bigger than that,” said Salcido.

There is a memorial Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-Love-Support-for-beloved-Natalia-Salcido/384986611626211?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite

There is a GoFundMe site that has been created as well: http://www.gofundme.com/u7n9z8

The collision investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police MAIT Investigator Felix Figueroa at (408) 846-0350. Or if you want to remain anonymous, call Nixle-Tip at (855) TIPS-247 (855-847-7247).