BAKERSFIELD, CA-- It was standing room only at Saint John's Lutheran Church in southwest Bakersfield Saturday, as a memorial service was held for a young woman killed in a violent car crash.
22-year-old Princess Almonidovar was killed January 3, by an alleged drunk driver.
"I would like for the people to remember her as an achiever, as a useful citizen," said Princess' father Pastor Joseph Almonidovar.
Princess was killed in a car crash at the intersection of Ming Avenue and New Stine Road.
The other driver, 24 year-old Alex Rubio, faces charges of DUI and felony hit and run when he tried to leave the scene after the crash.
A shrine to Princess has been growing every day at the intersection.
17 News spoke to her brother, Nikko Almonidovar, the day of the crash.
"You know the feeling, I just woke up and I lost 22 years of my sibling," Nikko said.
During the memorial, Pastor Pete Baker asked the family to rise and let them feel words of prayer and encouragement.
"Because if anybody knows what it is like to lose a child they love, the Heavenly Father does," Baker said.
Though it has only been a short time since her passing, friends cannot believe the 22 year old, who was a homecoming queen and well on her way to establishing a career for herself as a Respiratory Technician, is gone.
"Even if she is not here, you can always think about her and tell her what is going on and she will be there listening to you," said Tania Reyes.
After the memorial, friends and well-wishers consoled Princess' mother, Normie Almonidovar, who was proud about the way her daughter lived her life.
"She really made me proud," said Normie. "She is the daughter every parent wants to have."
A benefit fund for her family has been established at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union titled "The Princess Almonidovar Memorial Fund."