Authorities said they will file charges against a teenage driver responsible for an accident that killed 17-year-old Breanna Erickson of Poway.
Breanna died Friday when her best friend [NBC is not identifying the juvenile driver -- Ed.] was driving and crashed the car the pair was riding in on the Sabre Springs Parkway. There were three other teenagers in the car with them when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which was apparently speeding through a sharp curve, and crashed head-on into a truck. The four survivors were all injured; Breanna died moments later.
Breanna's parents spoke Tuesday at the Church of Rancho Bernardo about the accident that took their daughter's life.
In life, the driver and Breanna were extremely close -- they were best friends since the third grade. Despite the tragic circumstances, Breanna's parents said Tuesday that they fully support the girl, who is still hospitalized.
"I think a poor decision was made," said Breanna's stepfather, Mark Woody. "Regardless of the consequences, they are still our kids."
Breanna's mother, Linda Woody, and stepfather said that they have always thought of the teen driver as part of their family. In fact, on Tuesday, they constantly referred to her as their daughter. Despite the fact that the Woodys are preparing funeral services for Breanna, they have actually gone to visit the teen driver at the hospital.
"We saw [the teen driver] at the hospital yesterday," Linda Woody said Tuesday. "We love her dearly, and we need her to know that. She's by our side all the time."
Breanna was a junior at Rancho Bernardo High School, where she was on the girl's swim team. Her parents said her lifelong dream was to become a pediatrician. A vigil to honor her is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of Rancho Bernardo. A memorial service will take begin Saturday at noon.
