Rowena Lugtu-Shaddox FOX40 News

July 28, 2010
ktxl-news-vacacrash

VACAVILLE —
Friends returned with flowers to the spot where 18-year-old Ariana Magana died, less than 24 hours earlier.

The recent graduate of Vaca High was behind the wheel of her Jetta, when she crashed into a tree Tuesday night.

Five others were inside, and are now recovering at hospitals.

"It's a big loss, losing my daughter. It's the only daughter that I have," Raul Magana said, sitting in the living room of their home Wednesday afternoon.

Just a few hours before the accident, dad and daughter had been out enjoying each other's company.

"We decided to go jogging, 'cause she thought I was getting kinda big," he said with a smile. "I ran two miles and she was real excited 'cause I did two miles."

Raul takes some comfort that he taught his daughter right from wrong. Although the accident is still under investigation, CHP said alcohol was not involved.

Friends at the crash site fondly remembered Ariana.

"Real funny person. Makes everybody laugh," her buddy, Jose Lopez said.

"She didn't even get to live her whole life, you know. We just saw her walk the stage. The last time I seen her was when she was walking the stage," added fellow friend, Jose Garcia.

Taylor Fetters walked that stage with Ariana at graduation, just last month.

"It's hard 'cause she's so young. It's just really sad. Really sad thing to see. She had so much ahead of her," Fetters said.

"We know where she's gonna be buried and we will make some time to go see her and spend some time with her. Eventhough she's still not here, she's still in my heart," Ariana's dad said, holding back tears. "I know she's in good hands because she was a good girl."