A mother and her two daughters were killed in a fiery crash on Highway 99 north of 7th Standard Road near Bakersfield, California. The collision occurred just before 12:45 a.m. and involved a wrong-way driver who slammed into the family's Honda Accord and another vehicle.
Vanessa Schoettler and her daughters, Kloie and Kylie, died at the scene. Loved ones stated that the trio had attended a concert to celebrate Kloie's upcoming 17th birthday. According to a GoFundMe established for the victims, the event was intended to create lasting memories, but has instead left the family grappling with the loss of a mother and her two daughters.
The family leaves behind a brother and son, who is set to turn 16 on August 20, the same day as Kloie's birthday. The GoFundMe has raised approximately $31,000 towards a $50,000 goal to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, immediate family needs, and to support Vanessa's son.
Investigators reported that the driver of the BMW 530I, a 44-year-old man, and his passenger were transported to a hospital with severe injuries. Two individuals in a third vehicle, a Chevy Colorado, sustained minor injuries.
The California Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash and is urging anyone with information to come forward.