Crash Victims Had Met in Driving Class

An Oxnard High School senior and Camarillo woman who both died in a head-on collision last week had known each other previously--as student and driving instructor, authorities said Monday.

Raymond M. Hughes, 18, a varsity basketball player, and Melissa J. Cauvel, 27, the driving instructor, died when their cars collided on Pleasant Valley Road last Thursday.

Hughes took driving lessons from Cauvel at the America Driving School in Camarillo, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Family and friends of both victims remarked about the coincidence during interviews with investigators after the crash, according to the CHP.

“It’s very ironic,” said Terry Lopez, an Oxnard High secretary. “But what could make it any sadder? It’s already so tragic.”

Hughes and Cauvel were killed when their cars, both white sedans, collided about 4 p.m. near Camarillo Airport. Hughes, heading east, crossed into the westbound lane and smashed head-on with Cauvel’s car, investigators said.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined the accident’s cause but said excessive speed appears to have been a factor.

CHP investigators are also following up tips from Oxnard High students that Hughes had attended a senior “ditch day” party earlier that day where alcohol was served. But authorities said there were no obvious signs of alcohol use at the accident scene. Toxicology test results expected in the next few weeks will show whether alcohol was involved, investigators said.

Both victims were recalled as outgoing and friendly.

Hughes worked after school as a salesman at Oshman’s Sporting Goods in Camarillo. He was headed there Thursday.

His manager, Don Denham, said Hughes carried himself like a basketball player.

“He enjoyed what he was doing,” Denham said. “And that certainly carried on to customer service.”

Cauvel enjoyed her job as a driving instructor and “didn’t have a bad bone in her body,” her roommate, Calvin York, said last week.

Officials at America Driving School would not comment. The company--with offices in Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo--states in advertisements that it teaches driver’s education and emphasizes defensive driving.

“It’s certainly a coincidence, but coincidences happen,” CHP Officer Steven Reid said. “Regardless, it’s a tragic situation. Two young people got killed.”

A memorial service for Hughes will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxnard.