A Pepperdine University freshman was killed in a single car crash near her home in Key Biscayne, a residential suburb of Miami, Fla., on New Year’s Day.
Daniela Benavides, who had just finished her first semester at Seaver College and was a resident on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, is being remembered for her “bright spirit, her contagious laugh, and her kindness,” according to a statement made by the resident advisor of her dormitory.
Benavides was in Florida visiting her family over the holiday when the silver Porsche she was riding in “slammed through three trees, a light pole, a residential gate and ‘some other obstacles until [it] came to rest in front of a home,’” a report by the Miami Herald said, quoting Key Biscayne Police Chief Charles R. Press.
Also in the car were two teenage males — the driver of the vehicle and a passenger in the front seat — both of whom were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
“There’s no doubt that speed was involved and a major contributor,” Press told the Herald.
Reports by Miami-area news outlet Local 10 state that both males have since been released from the hospital. Local 10 also quoted Press reflecting on the accident.
“Obviously, this is a horrific tragedy on New Year’s Day (and) something that we all worry about as parents and as police officers and scares us to death,” Press said. “We do everything we can to educate our kids and to talk to them about the dangers of getting in these cars and not taking transportation home, but it’s Miami. It’s young people and they make decisions sometimes that, unfortunately here, left a family facing a lifetime of tragedy.”
News of the tragedy spread quickly through the Pepperdine community, with Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Student Affairs Mark Davis sending out a letter informing Seaver College students, faculty and staff on Saturday afternoon.
Davis’ letter included remembrances of Benavides from both her resident advisor and Dr. Stephen Davis, her first-year seminar professor.
“Daniela was obviously proud of her personal heritage and cultural background and showed unusual interest in learning about the cultures of fellow students and sharing perspectives with her classmates,” Stephen Davis recalled. “She was full of life, displaying exceptional energy, persistently cheerful, gregarious, fun-loving, and eager to cultivate new friendships.”
The freshman class president released a statement of condolences via the Pepperdine Student Government Association Facebook page. Included in the statement was a prayer.
“I encourage you all to reflect, cherish and hold onto the memories you have with Daniela. Keep her, her family and all those who are grieving in your hearts and prayers. May God grant peace and repose to Daniela’s soul; may Jesus joyfully welcome her into His loving arms; and may the Holy Spirit be ever more present in our lives and constantly inspire us to live with the warmth and kindness for which we remember Daniela.”
The university released a brief statement regarding the accident, calling the tragedy a “profound loss” for the Benavides family and the Pepperdine community.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Daniela’s family, friends, and loved ones, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound grief. The University’s Counseling Center, Chaplain’s Office and Dean’s Office welcome calls and visits from those seeking support as they process this loss. Information about Daniela’s memorial service is forthcoming.”