SAN ANTONIO — It's been two months since a popular and beloved nurse and former East Central ISD teacher, Whitney Weddel was hit head-on and killed by an accused drunk driver.
Whitney's mother Monique Presas is sharing her story in hopes of raising awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving.
“We are broken. Our hearts are broken. We're shattered. I think we're living in grief. We're living in shock,” said Presas.
On Feb. 8 at 4:30 a.m., Monique says time stopped for her and her husband. Whitney was driving on Potranco Road when she was hit head-on by a wrong way driver. Deputies say, Giovanna Blangiardo was intoxicated.
“Her life is ruined and our lives are ruined,” said Presas.
Whitney was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries, Monique recalls arriving at the hospital.
“I just ran to go find her. But I never I never got to touch her again or tell her anything again because she didn't make. Her injuries were just. Too bad the crash was too bad,” said Presas.
Monique says she relives that day everyday.
“I'm angry. I want to know why, why she had to leave us. You know I know why, because somebody decided to drive drunk and they killed her. In having to say that, it makes you nauseous. It make us physically sick,” said Presas.
Monique says Whitney was the light of their lives and was full of life, loud, vivacious and loved to laugh and travel. Whitney was an registered nurse, and a former health science teacher at East Central ISD, where she touched the lives of many students.
“She made it so fun and they wanted to be there, and Whitney shared her life with them,” said Presas.
To continue touching the lives of student, The Whitney Presas Weddel Scholarship Fund was created at East Central. Making sure nursing students have what they need.
“She would be so happy that those kids have every year their scrubs or whatever,” said Presas.
Monique wants everyone to remember Whitney as someone who showed up, and never backed down from anything.
"Whitney's death has left many goals and dreams unfulfilled," said Presas.
“The last text I got from her, she said, thank you for loving me. I said, you don't have to thank me for loving you Whitney, because it's so easy to love you,” said Presas.
With Fiesta just around the corner, Monique wants to bring awareness that Whitney's crash could have been avoided. Monique also wants everyone to be responsible if they decide to drink, and not to be ashamed of getting a ride home or taking an Uber or taxi.
“My daughter should still be here. She didn't have to leave us the way she did. No other people have to lose their lives this way. It could have been avoided. Just be responsible and it's okay to pick up the phone and ask for help." said Presas.
According to online court records, Blangiardo is currently out on bail and has yet to be indicted for the fatal crash.