Hearbroken Family: Funeral Instead Of Grad Party For Daughter

SANTA CRUZ, CA – McKenzie Gilbert, a 23-year-old recent college grad with a newly minted biology degree and looking forward to her future, was struck and killed Friday afternoon while walking in Santa Cruz, leaving her devastated family and friends to now plan her funeral instead of her graduation festivities.

"We were having a graduation party next weekend, but instead we are planning her funeral," Gilbert's family said in a statement. "She just recently returned from college and had only been home 10 days. She was so excited to move back to Santa Cruz to be close to family and begin the next stage in life. Tragically her hopes and dreams were snatched away from her. ... Our family is in complete disbelief and distraught at the loss of McKenzie."

Gilbert died July 20, three days before her 24th birthday, as she walked on Modesto Avenue and was struck by a 1999 black Infiniti SUV in the intersection at Sacramento Avenue. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the Santa Cruz Police Department said.

The SUV driver, Kelsey Knoll, 24, of Mount Hermon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and violating probation after the fatal collision at 3:25 p.m. and is in the Santa Cruz County Main Jail with bail set at $2.5 million. She was located in her vehicle about a block away from the accident scene, police said.

Gilbert's family, struggling with the sudden loss, said she wanted to do something "epic" in her life.

"McKenzie was such a vivacious, passionate, fun, sincere, loving person. Her happiest times were riding horses competitively and when she planned and completed a 220-mile hike alone on the PCT/JMT trail for her 20th birthday," her family said.

"She was determined, loved music, tried new things, had all kinds of career/business ideas and always set goals for herself. ... We will miss her beyond what words can express," the family said, adding that "She is loved by her mother, father, sisters, brother, stepfather and stepmother, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends."

A service to celebrate Gilbert's life is planned at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Los Gatos on Tuesday, July 31 at 11 a.m. following a mass. "All are welcome to those who knew McKenzie or our family," the victim's mother posted on social media.

After the fatality, a California Highway Patrol drug-recognition expert examined driver Knoll to determine if she was driving under the influence, and results of blood and alcohol testing are pending, police said.

"It is unknown at this time if alcohol, drugs or vehicular speed were a factor in the collision," the agency said, adding that no motive is known.

The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information about the collision is asked to call investigators at (831) 420-5820 or leave an anonymous tip at (831) 420-5995 or www.santacruzpolice.com.

Gilbert's family noted in closing: "Please say prayers for McKenzie, and hug the people you love. I only wish I had many moments back with her."

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--Image via Santa Cruz Police Department