A woman who died after a two-car crash in El Cajon is being remembered by family as someone who approached life with passion and exuberance.
Ashley Hodge, 29, died in the hospital after a collision in El Cajon trapped her inside her car on Friday.
Hodge had just left her home to go to the store when two cars slammed into each other at the intersection of Pepper Drive and Peerless Drive. Firefighters had to force their way inside the vehicle to rescue her, officials said.
Pam Hodge said her daughter struggled with substance abuse but had so much support from family.
“She was broken, she had a lot of issues. But she was so loved,” Hodge said.
Ashley Hodge was driving to buy cigarettes at the store. Her mother said she wonders if her daughter would be alive today if she didn’t smoke.
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A GoFundMe has been set up to help fund her funeral. The family said any money left over will be put in a trust fund for her children, a young son and daughter.
Hodge grew up in Mira Mesa and attended Poway High School. Her mother told NBC 7 that Hodge’s organs were donated.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. CHP said a Volkswagen driven by a 22-year-old man hit a Chevy Malibu driven by the 29-year-old.
CHP said it appears one of the cars ran a red light but are still investigating who is at fault.
“I don't care whose fault it was,” Hodge said through tears. “That doesn't matter, it’s not going to bring her back.”
