Family, friends of siblings killed in Rancho Cucamonga crash gather for vigil

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- Friends and family gathered at a vigil Monday evening for two teen siblings killed in a car crash in Rancho Cucamonga.

Members of several communities gathered at a baseball field in Fontana to remember the siblings, 17-year-old Elias Cruz and 14-year-old Sarah Cruz. They were students at Los Osos High School.

The siblings' father Ray Cruz recalled how Elias spent hours playing baseball. Sarah grew up alongside her brother playing softball.

"She followed us around, and she worked in the snack bar when she was old enough to do that," Ray Cruz said. "They grew up with this all these players out here, so it actually helps me to be out here with them."

Friends and teammates talked about the impact the brother and sister had on them and how much they will be missed.

The crash was reported around 4:25 p.m. Friday near Wilson and Haven avenues, near Chaffey College, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities say Elias was driving a white Ford Mustang, heading westbound on Wilson Avenue, when he lost control crossing the intersection. The car ended up crashing into a power pole and a tree.

Elias and Sarah died at the scene, authorities say. Another 17-year-old passenger, a boy whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The tragic loss has devastated the community.

Ray Cruz spoke with Eyewitness News during a vigil held at the site of the crash on Saturday. He said he was still in shock and his new reality hadn't quite sunk in yet.

"My son was a fanatical baseball player and a fan," said Cruz. "He loved the Dodgers, he loved baseball in general. He worked in baseball, he was at the field, at the gym."

"Sarah was a bundle of energy," he continued. "She had a hug for everybody. She was everybody's friend, whether it was on the volleyball court or on the softball field."

A GoFundMe account has been created to help the family with funeral expenses and has since raised more than $93,000.