Beloved business owner is fighting for her life after a freak accident along US 60 in Mesa

MESA (AZFamily)—Friends and family describe 26-year-old Victoria Cardenas as a kind, caring and compassionate woman whose vibrant personality brings a smile to everyone around her.

Cardenas means a lot to a lot of people, and they’re not ready to say goodbye yet.

The East Valley business owner was involved in one terrible car accident Monday afternoon and is currently in critical condition at Desert Banner Medical Center in Mesa.

Victoria’s mother, Amber Cardenas, said her daughter had to be removed from her car.

“It’s a miracle she’s still alive,” Amber said. “She was trapped under there. There’s not much left of her car.’

Victoria was driving east on U.S. 60, near the Ironwood exit, when an older pickup truck carrying a flatbed truck full of long metal pipes crashed into her, authorities said.

The truck reportedly lost control, flipped and then veered across the median into oncoming traffic, crashing into Victoria’s car.

She was rushed to hospital with multiple skull fractures and broken bones.

She is currently in a coma.

“I’m just trying to keep her calm because I know it’s scary,” Amber said. “I know she hears me. If she hears my voice, I just tell her Mommy is here. You’re in the hospital and you’ll get better. Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”

Victoria owns a ceramics shop in Apache Junction called Tor’s Mudslinger.

It’s a business that her mother says her daughter is very passionate about.

Friends have one GoFundMe page to help Victoria while she is in the hospital.

Everyone hopes and prays that Victoria will recover.

“She’s a fighter,” Victoria’s mother said. ‘I know, I have faith that she will come back. I know my baby is going to be fine, I know that.”

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the driver of the truck has been charged for failing to control his vehicle to avoid a collision and for not wearing a seat belt.

Additional charges may apply.

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