Pittsburg mother to accept high school diploma for daughter who drowned

PITTSBURG, Calif. (KGO) -- Two teenagers from Pittsburg drowned in a river in Amador County, near South Lake Tahoe, over the weekend.

Zuleica Miranda Ruiz, was a senior and her cousin Brandon Carranza graduated last year from Pittsburg High School. Students and their families are now trying to cope with the loss.

A large group of students gathered around a school locker on Tuesday to remember Ruiz. She was one week from graduating. She wanted to be a police officer.

Her mother says her daughter is in a better place. "One never expects this to happen. I feel defeated, but will find strength," she said.

Ruiz was just a week away from graduating.

"Generally the kids are in shock, it's hard for them to believe that she's gone and that's the most difficult thing and just helping them work through that stuff," explained Todd Whitmire, the school principal.

"We will be issuing her a diploma and will definitely have a space for her during graduation," said Whitmire.

Ruiz's mother told us she wants to be a part of this year's graduation to receive her daughter's diploma.

Speaking to her daughter, her mother said," We came for your things precious, today's the last day."

Two GoFundMe accounts have been set up tp ay for funeral costs. To support Zuleica Ruiz's GoFundMe account, click here. To support Brandon Carranza's GoFundMe account, click here.