After a fiery car crash killed five Irvine teenagers last month, one victim’s mother attended Wednesday’s Irvine High School graduation on her daughter’s behalf.
Pamela Samson-Yoma lost two daughters in the May 27 collision.
Robin Cabrera and four other teenagers -- including her sister, Aurora -- died in a high-speed crash on Jamboree Road near the Newport Beach Country Club. The car split in two after striking a tree, and one half caught on fire.
Samson-Yoma, Robin’s mother, walked the stage to accept her daughter’s high school diploma.
Irvine High School Principal Monica Colunga and 425 graduates draped in sky-blue caps and gowns held a moment of silence to remember Robin and the other students who died in the crash.
"I feel they're here in spirit," said graduating senior Tensi Cherry, a friend of Robin. "They're not just up there, they're here with us, celebrating."
Robin Cabrera was artistic, a dancer who died her hair red because she loved the Disney mermaid character Ariel.
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The crash victims were: The driver, University High School senior Abdulrahman M. Alyahyan, 17, and passengers Nozad Al Hamawendi, 16; Cecilia D. Zamora, 17; Aurora C. Cabrera, 16; and Robin A. Cabrera, 17, all Irvine High School students.
Four victims were ejected from the vehicle and died immediately. The fifth victim was partially ejected and died and a nearby hospital.
Two days after the crash, Irvine High School offered counselors and a psychologist to help students on the campus.
A memorial fund has been established on behalf of the two girls, pictured at right. They were the subject of a family memorial service in Corona del Mar on June 9.
" Robin and Aurora Christine were filled with so much life and energy that they radiated happiness and well-being to those around them," the memorial fund website states.
The sisters were on their way to celebrate Memorial Day at the coast when crash occurred, the website states.
"Robin and Christine are now having fun at the beach," their mother is quoted as saying on the website.
