11/16/09

By Rachel Azevedo

A Madras family is gathered to mourn the loss of 23-year-old Emmanuel Torres and his 6-year-old daughter Letticia. They were killed in a car accident that happened Saturday on snow covered Highway 35 near Mt. Hood Meadows. Emmanuel died at the scene and Letticia passed away Sunday night.

"They're taking it really hard. They're just trying to be strong," said Sabrina Plazola about the immediate family.

The accident happened when the 16-year-old driver of an SUV tried to pass another car and lost control. It went into the path of Emmanuel's jeep. He tried to avoid the collision, and took the impact on the driver's side. Emmanuel's wife and their son, five-year-old Jose, survived the crash along with two other family members.

Emmanuel had recently bought his first house. He liked to work on cars and stereos and take his kids fishing.

"He was a good person. He loved to go to church. He cared about his family so much. He changed his life so much in the past year," said Plazola.

Letticia was a first grade student at Madras Elementary School. Her family says she loved going to school and reading. Here she is dressed in a costume for a dance recital. A crisis response team, made up of counselors and administrators, was at the elementary school Monday to address the tragedy.

"To work with the staff and the students, and the parents and community members. We try to make it as supportive as we can," said Jefferson County schools superintendent Rick Molitor.

Around town, containers like this have been placed in grocery stores. They were made before Lettica had passed away. Meanwhile, friends and family will help support one another during this very difficult time.

"They were a beautiful, beautiful family," said Emigdio Diaz.

The driver of the other vehicle and his two passengers are from Battleground, Washington. All were taken to the hospital with injuries. It's unknown whether the driver will face charges. Oregon State Police say the accident is still under investigation.