Update on accident involving Rachel
 

Manslaughter charges urged in 3 deaths
By Carol Rock, Staff Writer


Manslaughter charges urged in 3 deaths

By Carol Rock, Staff Writer
LA Daily News

SANTA CLARITA - The California Highway Patrol is seeking manslaughter charges against a Santa Clarita woman investigators believe caused a fiery crash this week that killed three family members on a Sylmar freeway.
Devyn Oddone, 24, was traveling 70 mph to 80 mph in a Dodge pickup when she hit the Nguyen family's Honda Civic as her vehicle abruptly switched lanes. The car burst into flames on impact, CHP Officer Wendy Hahn said.

"In California, drivers should travel at a safe speed so they can avoid any and all conflicts," Hahn said. "According to witnesses, she was traveling at a speed where she couldn't avoid hitting the car."

The CHP will recommend early next week that the District Attorney's Office charge Oddone with three counts of manslaughter.

Killed in Tuesday's crash were Sunny Nguyen 49, of Canoga Park, his daughter Rachel Nguyen, 26, of Los Angeles and his sister, Thoa Mai, 53, whose hometown was not released. The three were heading home from Palmdale, where they had been making funeral arrangements for Nguyen's father, who died of a heart attack last weekend.

Sunny Nguyen was driving south on the Golden State Freeway when he mistakenly drove onto the on-ramp to the eastbound Foothill Freeway. Realizing his error, he cut across the transition lane and emerged from the gore point back into the southbound traffic, Hahn said.

The Honda veered into the path of a Ford Thunderbird driven by Alejandro Del Hoyo Villagrand, 25, of San Pedro, Hahn said.

"He felt the impact of the Honda on the right side of his car, and he spun out," Hahn said, noting that Villagrand fled after attempting to render aid, but came to the CHP office Friday and talked to officers. "He said he saw the woman in the back seat looking at him when it was rear-ended by a Dodge pickup truck."

Villagrand fled by getting a ride from another motorist, Hahn said. He contacted an attorney, who called the CHP and encouraged his client to talk to the officers. Villagrand was cited for leaving the scene of an accident.

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_3614406

Omg that is horrible... and to know that i live like 5 minutes from where this happend is tragic. my condolences to her family and friends, may Rachel and her parents rest in peace.

http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_073082538.html
Here is another story , the one that James sent me. I can't believe this has happened to Rachel. Not talking to her at work today was really hard.

That is just terrible. She was my age. I feel so bad for that family. That is 4 people that they have lost recently.

That is horrible. I'm so sorry for all who knew her.

That is just to heart breaking, my thoughts and prayers goes out to this family and all there friends, what a tragedy!

How horrible. And to hear they were coming back from making funeral arrangements. :cry:

i feel so terrible.. i hope james can get through this, i know i couldnt..
he will be in my prayers and you nobella, take care of yourself and let us know how james is doing... he needs all the friends he can get.

That is so horrible.

This is still just unbelievable! So so sad...

Rachel
 

I just came across this thread by googling Rachels name and I thought I would post something. She was my girlfriend back in 1999-2000 and we had just spoken a week prior to the tragedy. Such a sweet girl with such a bright future ahead of her. Anyone know how to get ahold of her sister Kris? I'd like to check in with her to see that she's doing alright.

Be well,

Randy

I'm sorry, I don't think anyone here personally knew them. Someone just felt that they would like to share this story, as we do let each other know about news and current events. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my mom's best friend (she was like my second mom), her husband, and their 18 year old son last summer in a similar manner. A girl hit their car as they were going home from church. A few more blocks and they would have made it. It still breaks my heart to think about them.

Thanks
 

Thanks for the speedy reply! It is a really sad thing to deal with especially since she was so full of life and so young when this tragedy occurred....Shes buried alongside her family off Topanga Cyn and Lassen. I go there sometimes when I'm out in the valley showing property (I'm a Realtor).

As random as this all is and on a brighter note, I too have a Teacup Yorkie and I love her to death. Such a sweet and loving dog. Unconditional love and sweet as can be!

Dive right in! There is much to learn on this site. I was a member here for a whole year before I got my Kaji. I hope you can stick around and share about your little girl. We're all nosey and love to see pictures! :)

You might want to contact a member that posted in this thread. Her username is VAINCHICK5. She worked with and was friends with Rachael according to her post in this thread. I am sorry for your loss.