More than 300 people gathered Sunday evening at Airport Park to honor the memory of Kassandra Machado, the 14-year-old girl who died in a car accident on Feb. 29.
 Xavier Zaragoza/The Daily Dispatch Father Malu spoke about the tragedy of Kassandra Machado’s untimely death at Sunday’s presentation and candlelight vigil at Airport Park. |
The slide show featured photographs and video of her young life with friends, family and training coach.
Many of her friends attended the vigil and a few spoke about what a wonderful person she had been, citing her smile and her warm personality as a stand out quality.
Many others were moved to tears not only by her untimely death but also by the compassion demonstrated that evening.
A group of students presented Machado’s mother, Xenia Gonzales, with a soccer ball in a glass encasement and a plaque with mementos, including a soccer jersey that was worn by Machado.
The ball and jersey had significance to the team who presented the items because Macho had been in a soccer tournament only days before the accident.
On Feb. 29 Gonzales, 34, was traveling eastbound on State Road 9 in New Mexico, near Columbus, with her three daughters: Machado; Alexia Machado, 4; and Ariana Machado, 10.
Gonzales was unable to clear a curve on the road. The vehicle skidded and over turned several times, said Rick Anglada, the public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
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