20-year-old Gabrielle Ellis and 21-year-old Ella Danilyuk died Saturday after the CHP says the car they were in - crossed two lanes before crashing into several trees.
Gabrielle Ellis turned 20-years-old just three days before the accident. Friends say the Fresno City College student was well on her way to becoming a child psychologist until her life was cut short.
Surrounded by darkness, dozens of family members and friends of Gabrielle Ellis formed a circle of light Wednesday night in northwest Fresno.
People then placed candles on the ground, spelling out "Cleo", which was Gabrielle's middle name.
"You guys have saved my life. Each and everyday I just pray we'll make it through this." said Howard Ellis.
Gabrielle's father Howard thanked the group for giving him the strength to get through this terrible tragedy. He was too emotional to talk to us on camera -- but a cousin says the family is deeply touched by this show of support.
"It means a lot because it really shows like how many friends she had. And she was just like an amazing person and it really shows like that she was loved." said Lexie Ellis.
Gabrielle Ellis was riding in the car with her friend Ella Danilyuk and a driver when they crashed into a tree in the Bay Area. Only the driver survived.
Rebecka Davis is one of Gabrielle's best friends and helped organize the candlelight vigil. She describes her friend as a sweet and loving person who touched the lives of everyone around her.
"She's always been there for anyone who has ever needed her help. She's got a huge heart. She's an amazing person. And the world is a dark place without her in it." said Davis.
Gabrielle Ellis' family is planning funeral services for Saturday at the New Harvest Church in Clovis.
Her father asked friends to write notes and letters about his daughter. He hopes to one day take those messages and make it into a book.
