Cajon Pass, California — Family, friends and teammates are mourning the loss of a promising Southern California student-athlete after a devastating rollover crash along the 15 Freeway claimed the life of 20-year-old Jhenéy Wallace.
The Victorville native, known for her love of basketball and her dream of one day reaching the WNBA, was killed when the vehicle she was riding in left the roadway and tumbled down a steep embankment in the Cajon Pass.
Authorities continue investigating what caused the deadly crash.
Vehicle Rolled Down Steep Embankment
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded to the crash shortly before 2 p.m. on July 15 on the southbound lanes of the 15 Freeway, just north of Kenwood Avenue.
Investigators said a Hyundai Veloster left the roadway before overturning and coming to rest on its roof approximately 80 feet down a steep embankment.
Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from the wreckage as emergency crews arrived.
Because of the difficult terrain, firefighters launched a technical rescue operation to reach the occupants trapped inside the vehicle. Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two other occupants were rescued and transported to hospitals in critical condition. One survivor was airlifted by helicopter, while the other was brought up the hillside in a rescue basket before being taken away by ambulance.
Authorities have not yet announced what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Mother Recalls Heartbreaking Phone Call
Wallace’s mother, Tamara Wallace, said the family became worried when they repeatedly called her daughter’s phone and received no answer.
Eventually, she said, a law enforcement officer answered the phone and informed them about the fatal crash. Tamara said the two other people inside the vehicle were her daughter’s friend and the friend’s mother.
Remembering her eldest child, she described Jhenéy as someone who brought joy to everyone around her.
“She was a great daughter. She was my best friend, my first-born. Always kept me smiling and encouraged me to do things. She was the best sister to her little sister and brother, very bubbly, always happy and loving.”
Basketball Was Her Greatest Passion
According to her family, Wallace excelled in both basketball and volleyball throughout school before continuing her basketball career at Victor Valley College.
Her ultimate goal was to play professionally in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Her mother said the family is still waiting for additional information from investigators as they try to understand exactly what happened.
“She wanted so much out of life,” Tamara said. “I thank everyone who has reached out to me and for all their prayers and support. I just want to keep my daughter’s name alive.”
Community Honors Beloved Student-Athlete
Wallace’s teammates and coaches at Victor Valley College also paid tribute to her, remembering the lasting impact she had on everyone around her.
In a social media tribute, the women’s basketball program said:
“Our Victor Valley College Women’s Basketball family continues to mourn the loss of one of our own, Jhenéy Wallace. Jhenéy was more than a teammate — she was a friend, a daughter, a sister, cousin, granddaughter, and a cherished member of our Ram family whose impact will never be forgotten.”
A memorial gathering celebrating Wallace’s life is scheduled for July 19 at 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park in Apple Valley.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been created to help her family with funeral expenses as loved ones continue honoring the life of a young woman remembered for her kindness, determination and passion for basketball.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Feel free to share your condolences and memories of Jhenéy Wallace respectfully in the comments below.
