Jun 10, 2009 6:04 am US/Eastern
Local Family Destroyed By Alleged DWI Crash
Mother, 8-Year-Old Daughter Killed After Ford Pickup Barrels Through Brewster Intersection Into Dance Studio Parking Lot
BREWSTER, N.Y. (CBS) ―
A mother and daughter were killed instantly on Monday evening after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver. It happened in Brewster and on Tuesday friends of the family held a candlelight vigil.
There was an outpouring of emotion. Flowers and candles have been left and touching messages, like one which read "today we cry for you, but you will always be in our hearts."
It was a tragic end and a family is devastated.
"We're all just waiting for someone to wake us up," one family member said.
Police said a drunk driver killed 8-year-old Kayla Donohue and 37-year-old Lori Luhrs Donohue, who were leaving Kayla's dance lesson.
"Truly and amazing student and she will be truly missed," Nicole Aravena said.
On Tuesday grief counselors met with the young dancers, some of whom witnessed the devastating site as the young girl became pinned against the wall. Her mother was below the truck.
Behind the wheel was 35-year-old Zacaria Conses Garcia. It was 6:45 p.m. Monday when his Ford pickup truck barreled through a Brewster intersection and into the dance academy parking lot.
Garcia was driving without a license, in the country illegally.
Councilman Dwight Yee's daughter went to the dance school with Kayla. He wants change in the immigration law.
"We're not here..dealt with immediately," Yee said.
On Tuesday the family was still dealing with the pain of the loss. They gathered in front of the dance school with so many others who came together 24 hours after their tragic deaths.
"Just like that everything changes. Shock is the only word I can say," John Luhrs said.
Many cried as they saw the dancing costume. Kayla would have worn it at her upcoming performance. Now it remains here at this special remembrance for the mother and daughter.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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