Candlelight Vigil For Fremont Teen Draws Crowd

FREMONT, CA — A candlelight vigil drew a large gathering at Washington High School in Fremont Monday night for 16-year old Armando Canales who was killed in a crash on Highway 17 over the weekend.

His mother, Tina Cacilhas, spoke at the vigil, and she spoke bluntly to her son's fellow students. "My message to you all is be cautious what you do," she said. "You're going to drink, you're going to drive, you're going to do drugs, you're going to get into the car with someone who's drinking?Remember -- this could easily have been you. Take the message: do not drink and drive."

A 28-year-old San Jose woman was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter in Canales' death, authorities said. Ashley Marie Oliver, 28, was driving a Chrysler minivan in the wrong direction on Highway 17 just south of Redwood Estates shortly
after 2 a.m. Saturday when she crashed into a Toyota Corolla carrying five teens, all
ages 17 and 16, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Canales was riding in the backseat of the Corolla. The girl driving the car and two female passengers, all from Fremont, suffered major injuries but are expected to survive after being taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, according to the CHP. The remaining male passenger suffered minor injuries.

Oliver was treated at the hospital for injuries that were not considered serious, then booked into Santa Clara County Jail.

Canales "was a football player, a son, a brother, a friend, funny, caring, with a promising future," according to a Go Fund Me page set up to pay for his funeral expenses.

He was a Mission Valley ROP (MVROP) Fire Technology Program student and planned to become a firefighter.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Armando Canales' passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” MVROP Superintendent Hanson shared. He went on to say, “It is difficult for us to grasp this loss as we focus on assisting students and staff who are trying deal with this terrible news.”

>>Go Fund Me donation page for Armando Canales

A Remembrance is planned for Tuesday evening at Shakers Pizza, beginning at 6 p.m. "Students, parents, teachers, community welcome to come and share memories, leave a message for Armando's mother, or just an opportunity to all be together," said a message on Go Fund Me. A table will be set up where donations of checks will be accepted from people uncomfortable with making online donations.

Go Fund Me is a Patch promotional partner

— Patch editor Bea Karnes and Bay City News contributed to this story

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