The San Diego roller derby community held a memorial for one of their own Monday night: Antoinette 'Rockalishous' Isbelle, who died Saturday when a small plane crashed into the back of a car.
More than 100 skaters, fans and friends gathered at Skateworld San Diego Monday night to remember Isbelle.
Those closest to her say Isbelle was the heart and soul of San Diego Roller Derby.
On Saturday, the 38-year-old skater was riding in the backseat of car parked on the side of Interstate 15 north of San Diego when a single-engine, two-seat Lancair IV crashed into the back of it.
Isbelle, who was sitting in the back seat, was crushed to death at impact. Aaron Meccann, 43, the driver, suffered lacerations above his eye. A 45-year-old woman and 36-year-old man, both passengers in the car, were also injured and taken to the hospital, officials said.
Isbelle was heading to a tournament in Los Angeles with other skaters when the crash occurred. Rowdy Rodbuster, Vanilla Gorilla and Witchy Wife, also in the car, were severely injured in the accident, the SDRD said.
The pilot, Dennis Hogge, of Jamul, suffered life-threatening injuries and severe head trauma. His passenger, a woman in her 50s, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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On Monday night, her friends and family were welcomed at Skateworld San Diego with open arms. It’s a track where Isbelle and the rest of the Starlettes practiced and competed.
"This was a huge loss because so many people had been touched by her generous heart and spirit. You think Derby you think Toni," said teammate Erin Sheppard.
Brett Stang said it was a privilege to coach Isbelle for seven years.
"She was always at practice and alwayshad a great attitude always with a smile never put herself first," Stang said.
Friend Jennifer Hubbard could not come to terms with how Isbelle died.
"What the hell. Toni taken out by a plane you know why one in a billion chance," Hubbard said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe for Isbelle.
See photos from the scene of the crash here.
Watch video from moments after the plane crash here (Warning: graphic language).
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators performed an initial inspection of aircraft and engine Saturday, but will do a more thorough inspection at their facility in Arizona. A preliminary report is expected in five to seven days.
