22-Year-Old Teacher and 1-Year-Old Daughter Tragically Killed as Parent Crashes Into Montessori Play Area
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SAN ANTONIO — One month has passed since the tragic accident that claimed two lives outside the Montessori Plus Preschool in Fair Oaks. On December 19, a driver reportedly experiencing a medical episode crashed into a fenced play area, turning an ordinary day into one of heartbreak and heroism.
Alexia Rosales, a 22-year-old preschool teacher, died at the scene while heroically trying to push children out of harm’s way. Among the young students she sought to protect was 1-year-old MKaya Amrani, who succumbed weeks later after a valiant battle in the hospital.
On Sunday, family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Alexia and MKaya’s memory. During the emotional vigil, a letter from MKaya’s parents was read aloud by family friend Joy Pepper, capturing the strength and spirit of their daughter, per the San Antonio Report.
“Despite being without oxygen for 45 minutes, she came back to life,” Pepper shared. “She stayed with us long enough to give the family hope, strength, and a chance to say goodbye.” Alexia’s sister, Jaylene Rosales, spoke to the crowd, offering a glimpse into Alexia’s love for her students, especially MKaya.
“She loved those kiddos,” Jaylene said. “She would speak about MKaya and how beautiful she was and how she would run into her arms.” The grieving families have recently united in pursuit of accountability, KSAT reported.
On January 3, they filed a lawsuit against the preschool and the driver, identified in the lawsuit as Valeria Haas. Although Haas has not faced criminal charges, the suit alleges negligence, claiming she drove despite a medical condition. The school has declined to comment on the lawsuit.
At the vigil, attendees emphasized the families’ determination to seek justice while preserving the memories of Alexia and MKaya. “I know right now we are sad, but we are going to fight for justice,” a friend said, choosing to remain unnamed.
MKaya was remembered as a loving and intelligent baby who brought joy to everyone around her. Alexia’s family described her as a passionate young woman devoted to her students and willing to do anything to protect them.
“All the kids gave her a purpose,” Alexia’s friend, Destiny Hamlin, said. “She felt important, and clearly, she would have done anything to keep them safe.” The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
