Palmdale police investigating the cause of the horrific single-car crash that claimed the lives of a father and daughter over the weekend believe street racing may have played a part in the sudden tragedy.
"Two cars were speeding, likely racing, when one (driver) lost control and (the car) collided with a traffic signal," Sgt. Oscar Martinez told the Daily News. "The vehicle pretty much disintegrated."
Authorities are still working to confirm witness reports that suggest the car was apart of a race when the crash occurred.
Investigators believe the other participant sped off before first responders arrived.
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Palmdale sheriff's office responded to the scene near 25th Street East and Joshua Hill Drive around 6:30 p.m. Sunday. When they arrived, officers discovered a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro split in two, with pieces of the vehicle littered across the intersection.
The 54-year-old driver, Manuel Paniagua and his daughter, Vanessa, 17, were pronounced dead on the scene, KTLA reported.
Police said the yellow sports car appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed before it collided with a pole on its driver's side.
Family members said the pair were returning home from dinner when the crash occurred, less than a mile away from their home, ABC 7 reported.
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Paniagua, a father of six would have turned 55 years old on Valentine's Day. Vanessa was the youngest of his children.
"Dad always knew what to say, whether you needed help or advice, (he was) always there," said son and brother of the victims, Giovanni Paniagua. "My sister just had the biggest heart."
Family and friends of the father-daughter duo on Monday came together at the site of the crash to remember the pair.
Vanessa's friend, Jennifer Villarruel told KTLA the family was struggling to handle the loss.
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"They're trying to be strong, but I can tell it's hard for them to lose their dad and their sister," she said.
While police are investigating the street racing claims, the family said they weren't sure they believed their loved one were competing. Still, the family asked the other person involved to come forward, should it become evident Paniagua and his daughter were street racing, ABC 7 reported.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Palmdale Station at 661-272-2400 and ask for the traffic investigation office.
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