Help Mercedes' Family After Tragic Loss

Our Beautiful Mercedes Taken Too Soon!

On Wednesday, January 15, My 15-year-old Goddaughter Mercedes was taken from us in a way no parent should ever have to experience. Mercedes was lured by a 19 year-old man she met on Fortnite and Roblox. She was last seen after school at El Rancho High in Pico Rivera around 3:33 pm. For 24 painful hours, we begged the authorities to treat her case with urgency, but the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Department labeled her a “missing runaway.” We refused to accept this. As Godparents and her parents, we knew Mercedes was not a runaway. We began our own desperate search reaching out to anyone who knew her, sharing her story, and organizing search parties. With the help of friends, family, and neighbors, we gathered evidence proving she had been taken, including signs of a struggle. Despite our efforts, law enforcement failed to act swiftly, leaving us feeling abandoned in the most terrifying time of our lives. Days turned into heartbreak as we fought to bring her home. On Monday, January 20, we organized another search party, passing out flyers and reviewing any surveillance footage we could find. Finally, on Tuesday, January 21, we received the devastating news that Mercedes had been found unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital with a severe head injury in a coma and was placed on life support.

On Friday, January 24, her kidneys began to fail, and she underwent emergency surgery to begin dialysis. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, our sweet Mercedes showed no brain activity the following day. On Sunday, January 26, at 12:05 pm, our baby girl gained her wings.

Mercedes was full of life, laughter, and so much love. She was stolen from us far too soon, and our hearts are shattered. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to experience and her sudden passing has left her family heartbroken and unprepared for this devastating loss. We are now faced with the overwhelming burden of planning her memorial while grappling with the unimaginable pain of losing her.

We are reaching out to ask for your help during this difficult time. All funds raised will go directly toward supporting the family needs during this difficult time. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you for your kindness, love, and prayers. We are grateful for any help you can provide as we navigate this tragedy.

With love&Gratitude

Monica (Her Godmother)