Victorville residents are mourning the loss of two teenage best friends who died in a devastating traffic collision on Friday night. Sixteen‑year‑old Isabell DeLang and 17‑year‑old Maddalyn Dailey were traveling together in an Acura TL when a high‑speed crash on Ridgecrest Road near Elmwood Drive split the vehicle in half, killing both girls.
Crash details
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Dodge Charger and a Chevrolet Camaro were traveling at a high rate of speed on the same road. The three vehicles entered the intersection simultaneously, and the impact was so severe that the Acura was torn in two. CHP officials said the collision was the result of excessive speed and the lack of traffic signals at the intersection.
Families speak
Dustin Dailey, father of Maddalyn, recalled his daughter’s last conversation about dinner plans. “She left, I heard the garage door close, and within a minute I heard the impact and I automatically knew,” he said, describing the scene as a “death trap because there are no signals.”
Megan DeLand, mother of Isabell, expressed disbelief and deep sorrow. She had just received her daughter’s senior portraits when the tragedy occurred. “Every day since it’s happened, it’s been a struggle to get through my day,” DeLand said, adding that she has not returned to work and has stayed at home.
Police investigation
CHP reported that the driver of the Dodge Charger remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. That driver was later arrested on a charge of vehicular manslaughter, though the individual’s name has not been released. The driver of the Chevrolet Camaro fled the scene and remains at large. No detailed description of that driver has been provided to the public.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Camaro driver to contact Officer C. Jeffrey at 760‑241‑1186.
Community response
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of support from neighbors, schools, and local churches. Several faith‑based groups have organized prayer vigils and counseling services for the grieving families. Community members are also calling for improved traffic safety measures at the intersection, including the installation of traffic signals or stop signs.
Local officials have not yet announced any immediate changes to road infrastructure, but the incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about high‑speed travel on residential streets in Victorville.
How to help
If you have any information that could assist investigators in locating the driver of the Chevrolet Camaro, please call Officer C. Jeffrey at the number provided above. The community continues to pray for the families and hopes for swift justice.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
