Student killed by alleged drunk driver remembered in Merced

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A candlelight vigil was held Thursday night in Merced, remembering the life of 19-year-old Desirae Crittenden. The Cal State Northridge sophomore was hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver early Sunday morning in Los Angeles.

A vigil was held for Crittenden in Southern California Wednesday night, but Thursday, friends and family made their way back to Merced, where she grew up. A large crowd gathered at Richard Bernasconi Neighborhood Park, wearing T-shirts with pictures of Crittenden and taking turns sharing memories of her.

"She was just amazing," said Monica Saucedo, Crittenden's mother. "I as a mother looked up to her for advice. She was everything I wanted to be growing up, and I'm just glad I can call her my daughter."

The vigil was organized by some of her closest childhood friends, including Summer Sanchez, Crittenden's friend since 6th grade. "So I know she would love this, she would love everybody, all her friends and all her friends coming together and really celebrating her presence because I know she's here," Sanchez said.