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Cholla High School remembers student involved in pedestrian collision

Joana Sendino
Posted at 3:18 PM, Mar 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-01 19:57:40-05

TUCSON, Ariz. — TUCSON, Ariz. - Tucson Police are investigating a deadly pedestrian collisionthat happened Thursday morning.

17-year-old Joana Sendino was a student at Cholla High School.

According to TPD, the driver saw Sendino run into the roadway and was unable to stop in time.

On Friday, Cholla Hgh school administrators offered students counseling and resources for those in need.

"It is a hole but we're trying to fill it with love and memories," said CHS principal Frank Armenta.

Those who knew Sendino say she was a charismatic girl who loved to dance. They say she gave energy to everyone she met.

"I would always see her in the hallway and she would always smile at me," said Senior student David Calzadillas.

For the school staff, they say helping students deal with this tragic loss is the number one priority. That's why they are offering more than just counseling, they have a safe place for anyone who needs it.

"We're offering them the opportunity to write letters to the family and a place just to reflect," explained Armenta.

He adds, " It's important to give them the opportunity to model how we express ourselves when we have these kind of feeling in us."

TPD says, speed is a possible factor but the investigation is still ongoing.

The area where Sendino was crossing does not have a marked crosswalk and now her classmates are hoping to speak with authorities and help make getting around the city safer for everyone.

"It can happen to any of us, it can happen to literally anyone, and if we can do something to prevent it. we're obviously going to try and do it," Calzadillas said. \

Loved ones have set up a GoFundMeto help pay for funeral expenses.