More than 100 mourners gathered at an East Los Angeles church on Wednesday to pay their respects to a family of four, killed by an alleged drunk driver in a wrong-way crash on a Southern California freeway.
Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47 and Leticia Ibarra, 42 were coming back from San Manuel Casino Feb. 9 with their daughter, Jessica Mejia, 20, and Martinez's mother, Ester Delgado, 85, on the Pomona (60) Freeway in Diamond Bar.
"They were very happy," said Concepcion Doroteo, who lost her grandmother, uncle, aunt and cousin. "All I have is great memories of them."
Friends of Jessica Mejia had T-shirts with her picture, draped over their shoulders to remember the promising girl with aspirations of becoming a dental hygienist.
Her sister, Mary, who was too emotional to speak or be seen, is now the only remaining member of the family.
Mary's employer, the Pollo Campero restaurant in Huntington Park, had planned on matching all donations for the family through this Sunday.
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"Family needs to stick together. We're doing this for her," said Francisco Canet, the restaurant's general manager.
The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received.
"I couldn't tell you how many messages we received phone calls, emails, everybody for all their support," said Marco Fregoso, a family member.
"Thank you so much."
The family will be sent to Mexico where they will be buried together.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the slain family's fund can donate to the "Mary Mejia Gift Trust" at Chase Bank, account number 443146902.
Olivia Culbreath, 21 was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving and manslaughter in the crash. She was injured in the crash and was hospitalized.
At least a half dozen drivers called 911 to report someone barreling at speeds up to 100 mph against traffic on two freeways, the CHP said.
Kristin Melissa Young, 21, of Chino and Culbreath's sister, Maya Louise Culbreath, 24 of Rialto were passengers in Culbreath's car and were also killed in the crash.
