Southern California student-athlete killed in 15 Freeway crash

Loved ones are devastated after a beloved Southern California student-athlete was killed in a rollover crash on the 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass. Jhenéy Wallace, 20, was a Victorville native and collegiate basketball player. On July 15, California Highway Patrol officers were called to a crash on the southbound lanes of the 15 Freeway, just north of Kenwood Avenue, around 1:53 p.m. The vehicle, a Hyundai Veloster, had left the roadway and overturned down a steep embankment. Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from the wreckage as first responders arrived at the scene, Victor Valley News Group reported. Crews found three people inside the car, which had landed on its roof approximately 80 feet down the embankment. A technical rescue commenced as crews made their way down the hillside to rescue the trapped occupants. Jhenéy was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person was hoisted from the scene by helicopter before being transported to the hospital in critical condition. A third person in critical condition was placed into a Stokes basket and brought up the embankment to a waiting ambulance before also being taken to the hospital. Although officials have not released details on the cause of the crash, emergency radio traffic at the time indicated that the driver was one of the two surviving occupants, Victor Valley News Group reported. Due to the vehicle’s off-road location, a heavy-duty tow truck was used to recover the wreckage. Jhenéy's mother, Tamara Wallace, said they were calling her daughter’s cell phone and she wasn’t picking up. Eventually, an officer picked up the phone and told them about the crash. She said the two other people in the vehicle were her daughter’s friend and the friend’s mother.  “She was a great daughter,” Tamara said. “She was my best friend, my first-born. Always kept me smiling and encouraged me to do things. She was the best sister to her little sister and brother, very bubbly, always happy and loving.” Tamara said her daughter was an athlete who played volleyball and basketball in school. She was playing basketball as a Victor Valley Community College student and aspired to play for the WNBA. So far, Tamara said her family has not received more information from authorities about the crash as the investigation continues. “She wanted so much out of life," Tamara said. "I thank everyone who has reached out to me and for all their prayers and support. I just want to keep my daughter’s name alive.” A post on Jhenéy's college team's Instagram account read, "Our Victor Valley College Women’s Basketball family continues to mourn the loss of one of our own, Jhenéy Wallace. Jhenéy was more than a teammate — she was a friend, a daughter, a sister, cousin, granddaughter, and a cherished member of our Ram family whose impact will never be forgotten." A memorial event in Jhenéy's honor will be held at Civic Center Park in Apple Valley on July 19 at 5 p.m. A GoFundMe page created to help Harris’ family with funeral expenses can be found here. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and generosity as we celebrate Jheney’s life and keep her memory alive,” Wallace said.