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‘Worst Nightmare': Family Grieves After Father, Children Killed in 91 Freeway Crash

A mother dealing with the unspeakable grief of losing her husband and their two young children in a tragic early morning crash on the 91 Freeway was preparing for a vigil Tuesday night at the gym where he was a popular trainer.

"They were babies. They were just babies," said Niya Mann, Lavell Mann's wife.

At least two gym members said they passed the crash on the 91 freeway late Friday night, not knowing who was involved.

Niya says only her faith will guide her through.

"It let me know to stay strong -- and to keep going -- because it touched a lot of people," she said.

She was speaking of the tragedy for the first time since her husband and their young children - 3-year-old daughter Logan and 9-month-old son Legend -- were all killed in the crash.

"I loved them. I miss them," Niya said. "Why this happened, I may never know why."

Investigators said Mann's red Jeep clipped a gas tanker, and lost control, before a BMW also crashed into the Jeep.

The Jeep struck the center medium and overturned near Pioneer Boulevard on the 91 Freeway.

The fitness trainer was on his way to see his father for the weekend.

Mann's family said it was a phone call they will never forget.

"It was my worst nightmare at that time -- and they told me my son was deceased," Michael Mann, the victim's father, said. "I asked them, 'Where's my grandbabies?' They said, 'They are too.'"

Mann's second family, the staff at No Limits Sports and Fitness Academy in Signal Hill where he was a trainer, say his bigger than life presence is missed.

"It's just like losing a family member," Alisha Lopez said.

Amid their grief, Mann's family and friends find comfort knowing he is with his children in peace.

"He was a God-fearing man with his kids -- if he had to go -- his kids are with him and I don't know how he would have survived if he had survived and his kids didn't," Lavell's father said.

Niya reflected on tragedy, passing on advice to everyone with a family.

"Don't ever go to sleep or do anything without saying "I love you" because you never know when that day might come," Niya said.

No Limits Gym is planning a candlelight vigil Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to remember their lives.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for his family.

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