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Community celebrates life of Victoria Arias

Posted at 10:16 PM, Jul 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-22 01:16:53-04

Friday was a day full of emotions for Lorena and Michael Arias. In the morning, they attended their daughter's funeral, and in the afternoon, they celebrated her life with the Tucson community.

About two weeks ago, they found their daughter unresponsive at the bottom of their swimming pool. After two days in the intensive care unit at the hospital, she passed away.

Hundreds gathered at her high school -- San Miguel High School -- to celebrate her life. Mariachi music filled the gymnasium where the gathering was, a special moment for everyone close to her.

"Mariachi was her passion," her close friend Jerhaldy Torres said. "To her, it was like her second family, second home."

Her parents say Mariachi music was something special to her.

"When they say you eat, breathe, sleep music, she did," her father said. "It was that important to her."

Family and friends say Victoria was always smiling, brought a light into the room, and full of energy.

"They ask how do you characterize Victoria?" Torres said. "A smile, light, she always had a positive attitude."

"She was loved by so many because she was a loving individual," her mother said. "She genuinely cared about people, and all she wanted was for people to be happy."

While their mourning continues, the afternoon was about celebrating the good and the memories.

"Even if she's not here, she's going to be in every single one of our hearts," Torres said.

And with the help of the community, she was there in her parents hearts Friday afternoon.

"I have peace in my heart. I know she's happy," her mother said. "And that makes me happy."