The foggy, wet conditions certainly made for slick roads, and the intersection was no exception. After the collision occurred, it didn't take long for people to stop by and pay their respects. Flowers, balloons and candles were left at the intersection Monday night.
The tragic death of a teenage girl has affected the entire community. Even members of the San Mateo County Fire Department came to the intersection to bring flowers. The Blatners didn't know the girl personally, but felt compelled to be here.
"I just felt like we needed to come over and memorialize her and if something were to happen to my kids, I would want them to be remembered and honored," said Sarah Blatner, a parent.
Leyla Beban was only 14 years old, on her way to Woodside High School when she became the victim of what appears to have been a freak accident. Leyla was on her bike, making a right turn from Jefferson Avenue onto Alameda De Las Pulgas in Redwood City, but witnesses say she slid and got caught in the rear tires of a pickup truck, which was also making a right turn.
Weather conditions may have a played a role. Residents say it was extremely foggy at the time and the roads were wet. Vicky Costantini witnessed the aftermath and says the driver of the truck is a good friend of hers.
"My prayers go out to the family. You know, she went to school with my kids. It's unfortunate. I hope there's no animosity because if he could do anything over, I'm sure he would," said Costantini.
Leyla was a freshman at Woodside High and by all accounts she had a bright future. She graduated from the Nueva School for gifted children, was said to have spoken three languages, and had taken up fencing.
Kurtis Roushall was Leyla's classmate. He said, "She was a very nice person. Always had a smile on her face. She was very friendly to everyone. She seemed like she got along well with a lot of other kids."
Grief counselors will be available at Woodside High School on Tuesday. Students have also been asked on Facebook to wear blue in Leyla's memory.
