A bright future on hold for Montebello softball player

A top student at Schurr High School in Montebello, Emily Sanchez believed success was the result of hard work.

Over the last few years, the 18-year-old academic standout and softball star received several honors, including two MVP awards for leading Schurr to consecutive league titles. The University of Delaware even offered her a softball scholarship, which she accepted.

But graduation and college plans are now on hold for Sanchez. Since Mother’s Day she has been in the hospital recovering from injuries she suffered in a major car accident. Her 11-year-old brother, Elias, who was in the car with her, remains in a coma, according to a close friend of the family.

Montebello Police Sgt. Larry Jackson said the accident occurred May 12 at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Whittier Boulevard. Jackson said a white Tundra traveling west on Whittier Boulevard ran a red light and struck the side of Sanchez’s black Dodge Neon, which was traveling south on Garfield Avenue.

Jackson said there was “major damage” to Sanchez’s car. Firefighters had to cut off the roof and a door to remove Sanchez and her brother.

The driver of the Tundra was also injured and taken to nearby hospital, where he is recovering from his injuries. He has not been arrested and authorities have not released his name.

Jackson said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the accident, though the results of other toxicology tests were pending.

Officers did find an empty prescription bottle in the Tundra that appeared to have come from a medical marijuana dispensary, Jackson said.

Meanwhile, Sanchez’s classmates, friends and softball teammates have rallied around her and Elias, who recently won a home run derby. Some have started using the Twitter hashtag #prayforemily.

Rose Rogers, a close friend of the family and coach for USA Athletics, where Sanchez also plays softball, said the two siblings were heading to their grandmother’s house to drop off flowers on the day of the accident. Their grandmother lives not far from the site of the crash.

“Our coaching staff is broken up,” Rogers said. “Everyone’s kind of struggling, but trying to be supportive as well.”

Rogers described Sanchez as the spark plug of her team, one of 14 in the league.

“She has a lot of enthusiasm and builds the team up,” Rogers said. “She has been a great leader and team player for the organization.”

Sanchez’s family could not be reached for comment, but through Rogers, Sanchez’s father, Tony, said he was grateful for the prayers and support.

Rogers said she is trying to set up a PayPal account to help Sanchez’s family with medical bills. On Deck Batting Cages in Signal Hills, which is USA Athletics’ home base, is also trying to help raise money for the family.

“These people who drive too fast should know -- no matter where or whether you’re running late -- that driving like this can change lives,” Jackson said. “This girl had a whole life ahead of her and this could change everything for her.”

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