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A Gilbert high school is mourning the loss of a student who was killed by a suspected drunk driver this weekend.
On Monday, members of the Highland High School band dressed in black band shirts and black pants in memory of 16-year-old Kelly Tracy, according to band booster vice president Moe Allison. Several other students dressed in black as well.
Early Saturday morning, 17-year-old Matt Tracy and his sister Kelly were traveling to Highland High School to get ready to march in the Gilbert Days Parade.
According to a Mesa police spokesman, Matt was the driver and Kelly was a passenger.
The Nissan Sentra they were in was hit almost head-on by 32-year-old Manuel Contreras-Galdean who was driving a Dodge Ram truck, according to police.
Police said the accident happened at about 6:30 a.m. at Sossaman and Guadalupe roads when Conteras-Galdean turned left in front of the teens' car.
Matt was transported to Banner Baywood hospital and treated for a fractured rib.
Kelly reportedly suffered a head injury and injuries to each leg and was transported to Maricopa Medical Center where she died in the operating room, according to police.
Kelly's parents describe their daughter as a caring kind hearted individual who would do anything for anyone.
Bill Tracy says, "Kelly was different, she loved God with all her heart that's all she ever talked about."
They also said, because of their daughter's faith, they know that the only option for them is to forgive the man accused of killing her.
Contreras-Galdean was taken into custody at the scene, suspected of being intoxicated, according to a court report. Police said he admitted to drinking the night before and in the early morning.
The report indicates he was convicted of DUI in Tempe last year.
The suspect also told police he had been in the U.S. illegally for 14 years, according to the court report.
The school band reportedly learned of Kelly's death just before they were to march in the parade. They could not continue, according to a parent who spoke to ABC15 News.
Saturday night, students met at a 6 p.m. service at City of Grace Church on East University Drive in Mesa, where the family attended.
Contreras-Galdean was arrested and charged with one count of Manslaughter and one count of Aggravated Assault, according to police.
Kelly's parents say this time is the hardest for them. But their faith is what's helping them make it through.
Cindy Tracy says, "there will always be a hole in my heart for her, but my hope..our hope is knowing that we will be with her again one day and we'll see our beautiful baby again."
A memorial fund has been set up at Washington Mutual Bank to help the teens' family with funeral expenses.
