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Camarillo woman killed in Sunday car crash identified
Authorities this morning identified the 18-year-old Camarillo woman who was killed when the car she was driving crashed Sunday on Highway 33 in Ventura.
Desiree Mooney was pronounced dead at the scene of the single-vehicle crash at 6:58 p.m. Sunday, said Craig Stevens, a senior deputy Ventura County medical examiner.
Mooney was driving southbound on Highway 33 near Stanley Avenue in Ventura at high speed about 6:40 p.m. when she lost control and veered into a dirt embankment, according to a prepared statement from the California Highway Patrol.
Three male passengers in the car, a Toyota Corolla, were ejected when it turned over.
Christopher Hale, 23, of Camarillo, Jeremy Hale, 25, of Fillmore, and a 17-year-old boy from Ventura suffered major injuries when they were thrown from the car.
All three were taken to area hospitals.
None of the four people in the car were wearing seatbelts, the CHP reported.
The crash occurred in a relatively straight corridor of the highway south of Stanley Avenue where a concrete barricade lines the right side of the road. A southbound lane was closed for two hours as authorities investigated and cleared the roadway, officials said.




Posted by ca4ever on April 21, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so sad. My heart goes out to this girls family
Posted by oxnard40 on April 21, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Was this crash drug related?
Posted by guy133 on April 21, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"None of the four people in the car were wearing seatbelts, the CHP reported."
This amazes me. I just can't believe that there are people under the age of 40 who don't wear seatbelts regularly. (I can understand older people who were accustomed to lack of seatbelts.) Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s our family never wore seatbelts. But when I got my learner's permit my parents decided that I would start off on the right foot and I was required to wear a seatbelt when I was learning. By doing that, my parents got in the same habit. Putting a seatbelt on is natural to me now. I feel naked without it.
Posted by Relvd98 on April 21, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
guy133
Lol...I've always say that about not wearing a seatbelt! I feel naked, like something is missing.
Posted by Relvd98 on April 21, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
But anyway, I'm sorry for the loss of this family.
Posted by RelaxPeople on April 21, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i cant imagine not wearing a seat belt either. i feel like i am the best driver in the world, like all men, but i know that accidents do happen.
Posted by clementine on April 21, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm 67 yrs old & started driving in 1968. Til this day, I won't drive 2 feet without my seatbelt. If I have passengers in my car, I do not drive until they all have their seatbelt on. Accidents happen to the best drivers - sometimes it's the other driver that's reckless or "on their phone".
Posted by 5Moons on April 21, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Any word on the condition of the young men?
Posted by hotwildflower on April 21, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is very sad. Another story I will be sharing with my kids about how precious life is.
I am in agreement with everyone above, at their ages, how on earth could they have even been comfortable without a seatbelt.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on April 21, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a bit more to the story, as reported by media source. Give authorities a few days to do their homework and we may have another lesson to be taught to our students.
Posted by Brownpride on April 21, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone know if Jeremy Hale was from moorpark?
Posted by Relvd98 on April 21, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brownpride
Article states Jeremy was from Fillmore.
Posted by chevy88 on April 21, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How about we stop focusing on the fact that they were or were not wearing seat belts, talking on their cell phone, or where they are from (which was already stated in the article)? The point here is that a family lost their daughter and the other passengers are in the hospital (first hand knowledge). I am good friends with the family who lost Desi. Don't you think that when the family reads your comments, they would want to see support instead of crap about seatbelts, etc.? They are in enough pain with their loss. Have some compassion, people...I'm so sorry for their loss.
Posted by joeMomma on April 21, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is very sad, RIP and best wishes.
On a related note, why has there been no report of the accident last week on Los Feliz in TO, where I hear at least one person died? Did i miss the story?
Posted by Brownpride on April 21, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Focus on yourself and the family Chevy... I went to school with a guy named Jeremy Hale at MHS and was wondering if he was from the city of Moorpark. People do move to other cities.
Posted by ebrockway on April 21, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
chevy88, I've been at their house for much of the day, and not only are they going nowhere near a computer, but I think eventually if there is a lesson to be learned that may save someone else, they may want that put out.
Obit should be finished soon, and dates and time for services will be in the Obituary section here hopefully tomorrow. Plan on Friday for now if you want to go.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 21, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i cant imagine not wearing a seat belt either. i feel like i am the best driver in the world, like all women, but I know that accidents do happen.
Prayers to the family that lost thier daughter and I pray that everyone recovers fully.
hotwildflower , I think its great you share this with your kids while they are young. So they learn the importance of using them.
chevy88 ,While I agree with you and pray for the family it is very important. Sometimes we have to learn from others mistakes and sadly it was a friend of yours. Im sorry!
ebrockway ,THankyou for being there with them. And I do believe that if the parents thought it would save another parents child they wouldn't mind it being put in the paper. Again my Condolences.
Posted by aklopp on April 21, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is something that you cant ever expect. I know that you guys will be okay, me and Nick send our love and nick will be there on wed. you guys are going to pull through. it was none of your guys' faults. And for all of you that want to say something about them not wearing there seatbelt, the girl did and look where she is at, maybe the fact that they didnt is what saved their lives. you all need to quit harrassing them and let them be. and to all the family if you need anything just let us know and we will do what we can to help.
Posted by chevy88 on April 21, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not trying to fight with anyone on here, but was only trying to say that it felt like people were getting off the subject. The main point of this article, to me, was that a family lost a loved one. I do agree that seat belts are extremely important and have been taught that my whole life. I just think that in regards to a tragedy such as this, people could at least write their condolences, in addition to their own personal stories about seatbelts, etc. The seatbelt point is crucial, and will probably save more peoples' lives after reading this article, but at least give your thoughts and/or prayers to the family before posting things about your own experiences.
Posted by BeaHappi on April 21, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another very sad story. My condolences to Ms. Mooney's family and friends. No doubt this has crushed them.
The message to any driver or potential drivers is to slow down and wear your seatbelts. My kids are years away from driving but I have to say that I'm already dreading it.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the passengers.
Posted by vegansweetness on April 21, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was very good friends with Desi.
i was devistated to hear the news that she has passed. we went to spain together, we lost touch a while back. I am appauled that you all can just sit there and critisize her for not wearing her seat belt. that is horrible. my heart goes out to her sisters and her mother.
Rest in Peace Baby girl.
if there is any word on the funeral or anything please let me know.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on April 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
vegansweetness, I can assure you that everybody posting to this site feels bad for the parents and the tragic loss of young lives. Many of us are parents and grandparents. However, some posting here look for solutions. To find solutions requires surfacing possible causes. In the obit section is an appropriate place to post condolences. Too many young people have perished on he highways in recent weeks. It is a driver's responsibility to ensure that all in the vehicle are belted in. It is my belief, based on a report from another media outlet, that we'll learn seat belts were only a symptom and not the root cause of the accident. We can all be thankful that nobody else perished.
Posted by Jessyka0Baby on April 21, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Desiree and I went to middle school together. Knowing her, she was most likely high when it happened and that sucks because I used to warn her about not driving like that. I've known her for six years and will miss her so much.
Posted by ebrockway on April 21, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jessyka0Baby, vegansweetness, chevy88;
Viewing will be Thursday evening between 5-8PM at Griffin Bros. Mortuary in Camarillo, on Daily Dr next to Wood Ranch BBQ. Services will be Friday, same location, 11AM. Memorial Fund is thru Ventura County Federal Credit Union, in the name of Desiree Mooney-Hatcher.
Obit should be out tomorrow.
Everything is handled, but Mom, Dad, and sisters need hugs, I think ya'll can handle that.
Posted by wabbit05 on April 21, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rest In Peace Desi, You are loved and missed by all. Knowing you for the time I did was a blessing, Im so sorry I didnt stay involved in your family's lives.
The Mooney family are all in my thoughts and prayers. I cant imagine the pain you're all going through. Stay strong... I love you all so much and Wabbit is here if you need me.
Posted by Savage1 on April 21, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris and jeremy were both adults and should of known better then to be driving that way and from what I hear there was alcohol involved.
The 17yo boy is Ryan Cox My little brother and so far he has been in to surgery two times and is currently going through the second one as I type.He has brain swelling and blood clots in his brain he is getting part of his brain removed right now and he is a strong boy and I hope he will make it.
Ryan I am sorry for not being there to get in your way and tell you to stop or not go.............
Shane
Posted by BeaHappi on April 21, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shane - so sorry about your little brother and I do hope that he pulls through this.
The best you can do is to be there for him now. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by Chevycowboy50 on April 21, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Desi will be missed by lots of people but she will be in all of hearts. I'm a really close friend of the family she was like my neice. Will miss your laugh IF any one have question please email me , shane were sorry about Ryan please keep up to date on him he will be in our personal and family prays > THank You everyone for your prays and thoughts .
Posted by tonynroxann on April 21, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love your life little brother
Posted by Chevycowboy50 on April 21, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We love You DESI
Posted by DianaHatcher on April 22, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My name is Diana Hatcher. I am Desiree's mom. We miss Desiree trememdously. She was a beautiful young woman with a vibrant personality and a wonderful smile and a very cute, contagious laugh. She will be remembered most for her sense of humor. She is and always will be in our hearts. Thank you to everyone for your support. The outpouring of visitors and phone calls from friends, family and the community is appreciated and needed. Everyone of you is a blessing. My prayer for everyone includes the fact that I hope no one ever has to experience losing their child. There is nothing more heartbreaking. Thank you to everyone and God bless.
There is so much to say. I need to ackwledge the pain the other families are going thru. I pray that they will all pull through. I have kept off the internet because I have been told about my daughter's name in print. It's very difficult knowing that she is dead. But now we have to accept it. We all know seatbelts are important.
We take comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of God.
Again thank you to everyone for the overwhelming amount of support. Everyone that knew Desi loved her. I will miss you dearly Desda! And I will love you forever Babygirl. You are my Star!
Bryan, Angie, Erick, Norman, Mom, Ellen and Adele. You have become perfect people in my mind in helping all the arrangements, etc.
Les, thank you for rushing over to be by my side once it was confirmed.
Thanks, Kimmy for keeping control of the comments.
Posted by charli5cats on April 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Diana - This is Charli.
my heart breaks for you. Desi came to see me about once a month for the last few years. I will miss her so much. I look at the picture of her and the Udo and Kayl from 2001 and think how much she has grown up. It is hard to know she is gone. My prayers are with you.
Posted by BERNSE on April 22, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Diana & family,
I go back almost 16 years with the family now, and never did we envision going through something like this. Being with you and feeling the pain on Sunday and the coming days was unbearable. If not for the closeness of the family, extended family and our circle of friends I don't see how we could have made it. We continue to be there for each other, bring ourselves closer with each passing day. We still have more to get through this week, but I know we're going to make it.
For all of you reading the articles and posting comments, condolences, and happy memories of Desi, I thank you. She was a terrific young lady whose life was taken away too early. For those who knew her: cherish all those fun & happy times you had. This tragedy should be a reality check for all of us, young and old, of how quick our loved ones can be taken away. It's not just the young people who are losing their lives on the road, it can happen to each and every one of us. We love you Des.
Ellen
Posted by jonikadow on April 22, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Diane and all the family,
I am Jeremy and Chris"s grandmother, and I cannot tell you how so very sorry I am for your loss.
I knew your precious daughter, and thought so much of her. She was so sweet.
I lost my daughter , Tina, when she was 14 years old........ so I do share your pain.
I pray for you, and I pray for my boys. I know young people make mistakes in judgement, as Jeremy and Chris have made more than their share over the years. BUT , I love them , and I pray for their healing.
Dearest Ryan , is also in my prayers, he is a sweet and loving young man, and the uncle to my great grand son. I love him and I have to know he will be Ok .
My deepest and sincerest thoughts go out to you all.
We are still in shock at the extent of all the boys injuries, they need prayers not admonishments.
God Bless you, Joni Kadow
Posted by rockysmom3608 on April 22, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Diana Hatcher im soo sorry for your loss i know how you feel my 7yr old daughter rockelle died a month ago from a long battle with cystic fibrosis and it was hard watching her suffer, im just glad your daughter didnt suffer that your daughter went quick she is in heaven now and shes an angel right beside my daughter my prayers are with you and your family and chris and jeremys family too i have friends who knew all of them and she was really sad to hear and im sorry too its hard i know and things will never be the same but now we both have a guardian angel now and thats our daughters much love and prayers to you all RIP beautiful angel
Posted by rlnapier on April 22, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey diana, i dont know if you remember me but its shelly. im sorry about des. i know what your going through. i mean i didnt lose my daughter but like 4 months ago i lost my mom so i kinda know what youre going through. i dont know what else to say but im really sorry.
Posted by DianaHatcher on April 22, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shelly - yes I remember you, how could I forget. Thank you for your thoughts and I hope to see you at the services. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Luv and kisses D.
Posted by DianaHatcher on April 22, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Charli, Desi has told me that she visited you. She held you in very high regard. You were a mentor to her. If possible, could you please email that picture from 2001 to me?
dianahatcher5168@yahoo.com. I hope to see you at the services.
Posted by DianaHatcher on April 22, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Joni, thank you for your thoughts. It is extremely difficult. Desi was a wonderful young women with her whole life ahead of her. I know she is now safe where she is. She sent us a sign and I am content that she is happy and finally at peace. I have been unable to get any news on the conditions of Jeremy, Chris and Ryan, other than random rumors. Could you please email me privately and update me?
dianahatcher5168@yahoo.com
Posted by DianaHatcher on April 22, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rocky - Thank you so much for your kind words. Its nice to hear from someone who truly knows what it feels like to lose their child. I know that everyone sends their condolences, but losing your baby is completely different than losing a parent or grandparent. You can sympathize with me. I'm sorry about the loss of your daughter. You loss was hard over a long period of time. Desi did not suffer, she was killed instantly and I have been told that she felt nothing.
Posted by desiree2121 on April 23, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my kids both were friends with desiree.she was a very nice girl,and im really sorry to about what happened.we have been praying for her ,for her family,and the 3 boys that also got injured.They are all in our hearts.....and we will never forget her..
love desi y. and krissy y.
Posted by cipres2000 on April 23, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Diana, know that Desiree was loved by so many as is your family. You have always opened your door to all of your children's friends as well as your own. You have a beautiful heart. You have so many blessings. Find compfort in knowing that Desiree's life touched so many hearts. I am so grateful to have been a part of her life. It has been a great honor being called "Dad" whenever she would see me. I feel blessed in knowing that I was able to touch her heart as much as she touched mine. I will miss her very much. She will forever be my "daughter" in heart, soul and spirit. ~ Ron ~
Posted by erikatodden on April 23, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the families of Desi, Ryan, Chris and Jeremy:
I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Desi. I am truly so sorry for your loss. To the family of Ryan, Chris and Jeremy: please know you and these boys are in my heart, thoughts and prayers constantly. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you all. If there is anything I can do to help: cooking, cleaning, chores, errands, etc; anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know. You may reach me via email at erikatodden@yahoo.com.
Posted by srcheek on April 23, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a parent, my heart breaks for Desiree's parents who have lost their daughter. As Ryan's oldest sister, my heart breaks for my dad.
Ms. Hatcher, our family thinks of you and yours every moment and we wish your Desiree were still here with you.
Comments like those from "JessikaOBaby" are more unneccesary and appalling than I can express.
Regardless of seatbelts, driving speed, etc., none of that matters. All that matters is the boys pulling through now.
My family is waiting for Ryan, my youngest brother, to wake up, please. That is a blessing in and of itself and the Mooney family needs support, not comments about how things should have been done while their baby was driving or if she were under the influence of anything. All of the kids were in the car and all of them deserve to be alive and healthy. Period.
Posted by Kreemac70 on April 24, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is another reminder how we as parents need to talk to our kids about:
-Speeding
-Seatbelts
-Driving under the influence (I am not saying that this is the case with this accident)
Unfortunately, a tragedy has happened and we are all trying to find a way to put some meaning to it by posting on this board and reminding each other of the importance of talking to our kids about the consequences of their actions. I feel so much pain for the parents of all of the children involved in this horrific accident. It is too high of a price to pay. Of course they did not deserve it. Of course they are paying the ultimate price. I believe that if Desi could talk to everyone right now she would not want her death to be in vain. She would want others to learn from her mistakes. Once you are in heaven, you are no longer suffering. She isn't sad, or depressed. Those feelings are not options there. Only happiness and love. She wants us to learn. She wants us to grieve so that we learn. This is what I believe.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of these children as you work towards a new normal in your lives.
God Bless each one you. May he hold you in His grace through this understandably difficult time.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on April 24, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kreemac70, you have spoken wisely.
A sad take on efforts to educate students about the risks inherent in driving while UI ... is the article this morning about school officials not being willing to allow the wrecked car on campus where kids were killed on PCH because of fear that lawyers would sue on behalf of parents not agreeing with that educational concept.
Almost as bad ... is the school in S.B County where administration is forcing the removal of a school symbol, there since the 20's, because it is an American Indian simply because one family complained it was "offensive" and the school was worried about a lawsuit.
Our legal system is completely out of control.
Posted by Kreemac70 on April 24, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TimeArrow: "Our legal system is completely out of control".
Agreed!
My daughter is a junior at NPHS and knew all the kids in the accident. I say, "BRING THAT CAR TO CAMPUS AND DO IT NOW!"
No time like the present. If it stops one group of kids from drinking and driving, then it has been worth it.
Posted by kellyz24 on April 25, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well i just found out who ryan really was i knew the name was familiar but when i went to school my old teachers showed me a picture..i was in shock i use to talk to ryan we shared mutual friends and classes he is one of the sweetest funniest people ever..i really hope he pulls through so we can all see him smile again. because thats what i remember most his smile, he truly has a good heart and is a great person with so much love to give..and to his brother shane i read your comments dont beat yourself up what happened is done you seem like an awesome brother so keep you head high and thoughts positive
love,kelly z and all the teachers and friends from pacific <3
Posted by dhatcher on May 21, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
srcheek
If you are still reading the comments, could you please email me? I haven't check comments lately and just now realized who you are.
Thanks,
dianahatcher5168@yahoo.com
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