16-year-old girl headed to prom killed in car accident
A 16-year-old girl on her way to her high school prom was killed Saturday when the car she was riding in overturned near downtown Los Angeles, authorities said.
Jennifer Perla was one of a group of people in a 2003 Chevrolet that was headed south on the 110 Freeway when it was involved in a single-vehicle accident about 8 p.m., California Highway Patrol officials said.
The driver, 18-year-old Kenneth Mullen, lost control near the 3rd Street exit and the car ended up on its side, officials said.
Perla, a sophomore at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, was pronounced dead at the scene. Everyone else in the car, including Perla’s sister, Janet, was treated for injuries, according to family members and Los Angeles Fire spokeswoman D’Lisa Davies.
The teenagers were headed to Taft’s senior prom at the California Science Center near USC, said Perla’s brother, Mike. Authorities said there were at least six people in the vehicle.
Mike Perla, 24, said he was at home with his parents when his younger sister Janet, a senior at Taft, called to tell them about the accident.
“You just can’t imagine. It’s horrible. Plain horrible,” he said.
Perla said his sister had just celebrated a birthday and was a popular cheerleader who loved dancing and dreamed of joining the FBI.
She had been invited to the dance by a senior and left the house in a purple dress.
“She looked so beautiful in that dress,” Mike Perla said. “She was stunning.”
-- Corina Knoll and Ari Bloomekatz
EDITOR'S PICKS:
What a nightmare scenario for the parents of these kids. My thoughts and prayers are with their families right now. i couldn't imagine the pain they are going threw.
Posted by: SFV_Steve | May 31, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Rest In Peace Jennifer Perla.....
Posted by: Jessica Lazo | May 31, 2009 at 08:12 PM
Im Sorry for your loss, Condolocenses to the family and friends. RIP Jennifer
Posted by: Frank | May 31, 2009 at 08:23 PM
that was my best friend that we have met in six grade and seven and through 8 th i just had wishedd tis had never had happen to the sweetes nicest beutiful girl in th nworll she dreams to purfil and wanted to acompished and make her mom borther sister and da proud.
i will alays have you in my heart my love !!!!jennifer perla our guardian angle will always be here for us to prtect and from the the bad that happens in our life
Posted by: yesenia hernandez | May 31, 2009 at 09:23 PM
She was such a sweet, well-liked girl. Here is my favorite photo of her: http://media8.dropshots.com/photos/632479/20090531/222512.jpg
She will be missed by all who knew her.
Posted by: Carol | May 31, 2009 at 10:39 PM
This tragic loss could have been prevented. I scream at my girlfriend...put your seat belt on....cus she think it is cool not to wear it. Well...I told her...anything could happen...and you could end up on the street out the car window........put it on...you gotta better chance of staying in the car and not getting an even worse injury
Posted by: Foclipz | June 01, 2009 at 05:03 AM
My condolences to the family of all these children, especially the family who lost their beloved daughter. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. I don't thnk any words can make them feel better. I just want them to know they will be in my prayers so that God may give them comfort in this time of sorrow.
Posted by: Mari Corona | June 01, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jennifer. It is inconceivable to lose someone so young. For all of us at JourneySafe, we are deeply saddened that another family has to endure the lifelong pain of losing their chilld in a crash. Rest in peace, Jennifer.
Posted by: Ellen Gaddie | June 01, 2009 at 09:09 AM
To the family of jennifer
I'm very sorry for your lost and i can only imagine the pain you are feeling. I didn't know her but from what i've heard it would have been nice to know her.I hope you are doing okay and up there.
R.I.P
Jennifer Perla
Posted by: monique tsavidis | June 01, 2009 at 11:24 AM
she's my cousin..
sister almost..
i cant believe shes gone.
she was so beautiful and had so much going for her.
and all of a sudden shes gone..
i cant believe it.
i cant take this..
the pain is unbearable..
absolutely horrible..
i miss and love you peaches..
Posted by: cindy flores | June 01, 2009 at 12:12 PM
jennifer i will always miss you alot we wont for get about u even natalie and jorgeand anna we will always remeber you even me....
Posted by: alejandra carrasco | June 01, 2009 at 12:47 PM
dear jennifer its me alejandra i am sorry wat happen about you dont worry about me i will always think about u enen anna and jorge and natalie we will always think about you and ur sister but when the day i meet you u were like a sister to me and even your sister dont even for get about me alejandra aka giggles and u were pritty cool and i wont for get about u and dont fpr about me i always think about you and ill pray to u
RIP
JENNIFER PERLA
WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH
BY ALEJANDRA CARRASCO
Posted by: alejandra carrasco | June 01, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Dear Perla Family,
I just found out about your daughter's loss. My son is a Taft Student with Perla. You will be in my prayers nightly for God to carry & uphold you and give you the strength that you need now and will need in the days to come. God will have to do this for you all now and He Will. My mind cannot conceive what you are feeling.
May God cover your hearts & minds today & everyday.
SINCERELY, Crystal P (Taft High Parent)
Posted by: Crystal Pourfarid | June 01, 2009 at 01:46 PM
even tough i didnt knew jennifer i knew janet and i feel really really sorry i know how it feels to lose someone i knew jennifer was a nice person R.I.P jennifer pena
Posted by: alondra | June 01, 2009 at 05:17 PM
My condolences to Jennifer's family and friends. I was on the 110 freeway just seconds after it happened. I was there and saw poor Jennifer in the arms of a friend. I was on so much shock. I was on my way to the Staples Center when i saw it. My friend and i had to exit and found a CHP officer and told him what had happened. I am so sorry for your loss. She is in my prayers. God Bless Jennifer and her Family.
May she R.I.P.
Posted by: Veronica Lopez | June 01, 2009 at 05:24 PM
soy un primo de ella.. de el salvador.. en realidad.. es doloroso saver. ke mi primita linda no esta ya con nosotros pero me es agradable recordarla como ella..era. super feliz y dulce.. ademas..de ser una persona linda .recuerdenla como ella.. era un ser special..
Posted by: robert morales | June 01, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Jennifer is the cousin of my friend Osvaldo. WHen he told me I didnt believe it. Even though I dont know her i still was kind of shocked.
R.I.P Jennifer
Posted by: Ivan | June 01, 2009 at 08:10 PM
dear perlas family,
im really sorry for your daughters lost
my friend i well never forget that smile she would always
have in her preety face your gone.....but
we well always have you in our hearts
i just cant believe ur dead
it just brakes my heart that your gone
and you'll never come back ....
i'll se you soon up there
loves
your friend always &forever
Posted by: brenda rivera | June 01, 2009 at 08:45 PM
My prayers are with the Perla Family. It brings tears to my eyes. My daughter attends Canoga High and hits close to home. It seems this happens way too often here and with that being said...it's time to change the rules of the prom. They NEED to be held closer to home with a few miles radius, so they don't have to travel on the freeways. Not all can afford Limousines and if this can't be done, than it should be made MANDATORY that ALL students take the school bus so this will NEVER happen again!! Jennifer, I will remember you in my prayers!
Posted by: Beth | June 02, 2009 at 10:48 AM
JENNIFER WAS AN AWESOME DANCER AT WEBSTER BUT NOW WE LOST A VERY GOOD PERSON WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER JENNIFER PERLA IT WILL BE INGRAVED IN OUR HEARTS 4EVER!!!!
R.I.P. JENNIFER PERLA
Posted by: STACY | June 02, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Perla,
My sincere sympathies to you and your family from me and all the staff at Mid-Wilshire ECC.
Posted by: Mr. Sanchez | June 08, 2009 at 11:07 PM
this is yanet jennifer sister i want to get something cleared up my baby sister did have her seatbelt on OK she didnt fly out the window like everyone says two of her friends had to take her out the car.. people have changed the story around in so many different ways so pllzz dont believe everything i dont even go to her school and they are saying im a senior there im 19 im not in high school ...so FOCLIPZ now you know and could shut up with your stupid comment ..... and if people dont have anything nice to say please dont bother life turns in circles you could probably be making jokes and stupid comments of my princess right now what makes you think you wont loose a love one the same way i lost my baby so please dont be so heartless ....
and to all the other wonderful people thank you for your words and for having my princess and family in your prayers god bless you all...
Posted by: yanet perla | June 16, 2009 at 01:33 AM
my prayers with the family. my family went through something like this last year. i lost my nephew in a rollover accident. he was only 14. he was wearing his seatbelt and it didnt make a difference. our days are numbered. do things right.
Posted by: ? | June 19, 2009 at 06:50 AM
I loved her she was like a best friend 2 me ill miss her for ever
Posted by: romario | September 06, 2009 at 01:11 PM
OMG SHE WAS SOOOOO PRETTY!
RIP JENNIFER....
Posted by: michelle | September 10, 2009 at 03:45 PM