A Pleasanton teenager was killed and several passengers were injured in a suspected DUI crash on Stanley Boulevard last week.
Officials identified Village High School junior Violet Campbell, 16, as the victim in the crash that occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 22 near Livermore. The incident, which took place in the midst of a weeklong Thanksgiving break for PUSD, has left Pleasanton's alternative high school grieving the loss of a well-regarded member of their community.
The school offered support and counseling services to students and staff returning from the holiday on Monday, said Pleasanton Unified School District spokesman Patrick Gannon.
"Violet touched the lives of many of her fellow students and Village staff members. Our hearts go out to her family and our Village High School community," Gannon said.
The driver arrested in the crash, 26-year-old Livermore resident Lauren Davis, was released from Santa Rita Jail shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Monday while law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident.
California Highway Patrol Officer Tyler Hahn said the agency is working to complete a report on the crash, and it's not currently known when their investigation will be complete. The CHP is awaiting the results of chemical tests and still gathering witness information, Hahn said.
Campbell was one of five people inside a Kia that crashed on westbound Stanley Boulevard just west of Isabel Avenue/Highway 84 near Livermore in unincorporated Alameda County.
For an unknown reason, Davis allowed the car to veer off to the right side of the road where it overturned multiple times, according to Hahn.
Campbell was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, a 25-year-old woman, was also ejected and transported to Eden Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. She remained in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon, Hahn said. Neither was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Two more passengers -- men ages 18 and 22 -- were taken to the hospital with minor and moderate injuries, respectively.
Officers who responded to the crash reported a smell of alcohol emitting from Davis, according to Hahn. She refused all field sobriety tests and was transported to Highland Hospital with moderate injuries.
Davis was placed under arrest at the hospital on suspicion of second-degree murder and felony DUI. Once medically released, she was taken to Santa Rita Jail for booking.
Records from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office list Davis' occupation as a UPS driver and indicated she was being held without bail prior to her release Monday.
Davis had been arrested for driving under the influence twice prior to last week's fatal crash, according to Hahn. In both cases the charges were reduced to reckless driving. Her driver's license was valid at the time of the crash, Hahn said.
As officials continue to investigate the crash, friends and family are mourning the loss of Campbell.
A memorial has been placed at the site of the crash. Crosses bearing her name sit surrounded by bouquets of flowers, candles and stuffed animals. Messages have been spray-painted on the curb and in the bike lane -- "RIP Violet," and "Rest easy beautiful."
Campbell grew up in Pleasanton with her grandparents and "brought happiness to everyone who was around her," the teen's family wrote in an obituary.
"She was loved by so many and always brought light into others who were around her," an excerpt from the obituary reads. "She will be dearly missed."
A memorial service for Campbell has been set for 2 p.m. this Sunday at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 3999 Bernal Ave. A GoFundMe established for funeral expenses had raised nearly $9,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Comments
Danbury Park
on Nov 27, 2017 at 10:40 am
on Nov 27, 2017 at 10:40 am
Violet was my son's friend. he said she was really liked by everyone at their high school. She was kind to everyone. My heart breaks for her family, everyone involved including the driver who needs compassion more than any of us can ever know. I pray for healing. The entire school is in mourning and will begin the process of healing transforming grief in to celebrating her life.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 27, 2017 at 11:52 am
on Nov 27, 2017 at 11:52 am
Sad, so very SAD for ALL involved.
RIP Violet Campbell.
San Ramon
on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:29 pm
on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:29 pm
I was her teacher in 8th grade can anyone update me on her services.
Livermore
on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:40 pm
on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:40 pm
I was Violet's friend. Still in shock from what happened to her and can't really cope with everything. We all love and miss you Vi you will always be in our hearts