Car wash to raise money for Arizona teenager who died in an accident

PEORIA, Arizona — Friends and classmates of a West Valley teenager who died in a car crash in Peoria in May gathered Saturday to hold a car wash and raise money for her funeral.

Michelle Gudino, 17, was killed in the accident on May 22 near the intersection of Cholla Street and 75th Avenue in Peoria.

At the time, Peoria police said the driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling south on 75th Avenue when he collided with a Toyota Scion that was turning left onto Cholla Street.

Police said the Scion’s occupants were seriously injured. One of them, Gudino, later died at a nearby hospital. The driver of the Avalanche suffered minor injuries.

RELATED TOPIC: 17-year-old girl dies in accident in Peoria

Now, two and a half weeks later, her friends and classmates from Peoria High School gathered to host a car wash and raise money to help Gudino’s family with funeral expenses.

“I think the worst part was doing nothing,” said Doug Buaemont, a teacher and football coach at Peoria High School. “I mean, we all heard the news and were just shocked and disbelieving. But going out and being able to do something, I think, helps people, whether it’s starting to heal or whatever. It just feels like we’re doing something, whatever we can.”

“They win by helping each other and giving up a little time for the good of others,” said Jacob Holliday, assistant principal and athletic director at Peoria High School. “And it also shows everyone how much we love each other. That’s how it is in a family.”

If you would like to help Guidino’s family, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign found here.

>> Download the 12NewsApp for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

Thanks to the 12News+ app, you can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere!

12News’ free 12News+ app allows users to stream live events – including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program “Arizona Midday” – on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+ presents live video throughout the day with breaking news, local news, weather, and even the occasional zen moment with stunning sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand video of major stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and old videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or search for “12 News KPNX.”

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app and add it to your account, or get the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV via Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.