Mission Viejo, California — A Southern California family is mourning the death of a 21-year-old mother who was killed in a devastating street racing crash, while police investigate an even more painful detail surrounding the tragedy: her younger brother was allegedly driving the rival vehicle involved in the race.
Shalia Deciderio, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was riding as a passenger in a Nissan Infiniti when the vehicle reportedly went off the road and slammed into a tree near Los Alisos Boulevard and Mustang Run in Mission Viejo.
The crash happened at approximately 9:41 p.m. Thursday, according to reports.
21-Year-Old Mother Dies at Crash Scene
Emergency responders found Shalia at the scene following the collision. Despite efforts to help her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Infiniti, 20-year-old Jaime Rojas of Mission Viejo, survived the crash and was reportedly in critical but stable condition.
The circumstances surrounding the collision quickly led investigators to examine whether the vehicle had been involved in an illegal street race.
Brother Allegedly Driving Rival Vehicle
According to authorities, Shalia’s younger brother, 20-year-old Aiden Deciderio, was driving another Nissan Infiniti that was allegedly racing the vehicle carrying his sister.
Aiden reportedly remained at the scene following the crash.
The circumstances have added another heartbreaking dimension to the investigation, as Shalia’s family now faces the loss of a young mother while authorities examine her brother’s alleged involvement in the street race.
Both Aiden Deciderio and Jaime Rojas could face charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with Shalia’s death, according to a local news outlet.
Any potential charges remain allegations, and the investigation will determine the circumstances and legal responsibility surrounding the crash.
Family Raises Money for Young Child
Following Shalia’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover her funeral expenses and provide support for her young child.
The fundraiser describes Shalia as a loving, caring, vibrant and outgoing person whose presence had a lasting impact on those around her.
“Shalia was a loving, caring, vibrant, and outgoing person whose beautiful spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her,” the fundraiser said.
The message also highlighted the devastating impact her death will have on her child.
Shalia leaves behind a young child, who will now have to grow up without a parent.
As of Saturday morning, the fundraiser had collected more than $4,700 toward its $13,000 goal.
Makeshift Memorial Appears at Crash Site
As news of the fatal crash spread, a makeshift memorial began appearing near the location where Shalia lost her life.
Flowers were placed at the crash site, creating a visible reminder of the young woman’s death and the grief now affecting her family and friends.
For those who knew Shalia, the memorial offers a place to remember a young mother whose life ended far too soon.
The investigation into the alleged street race and the circumstances leading up to the collision remains ongoing. Authorities will ultimately determine what happened immediately before the Infiniti left the roadway and whether criminal charges will be pursued against those involved.
The tragedy also underscores the potentially devastating consequences of street racing, where a few moments of reckless driving can permanently change multiple families’ lives.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy and the dangers of street racing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.