PORTLAND, Ore. — The Camacho sisters stay in touch, mostly through Facetime each week. The four women grew up together, and while they live in different cities now, they still describe themselves as “tight knit.”
“I feel like that’s kind of what we were known for, 'Oh the Camachos': if there’s one, you’re going to see two or all," said Jessica, one of the sisters.
The oldest sister, Danica, says growing up, there was always something going on.
“It’s never lonely, there’s always somebody there, there’s always music playing," she said.
But now, when the sisters catch up, there will only be three on the phone. The fourth — and youngest — Angelica, lost her life in a motorcycle crash on June 13.
Portland police said the 24-year-old and the driver were thrown from the motorcycle over a barrier on the Morrison Bridge eastbound ramp into a parking lot below. A spokesperson for the police department told KGW that speed was a factor.
The driver, 30-year-old Nicholas Munt-Herrera, also died.
It's shocking for the Camacho sisters, who said Angelica was a medical assistant at Kaiser, attending school for radiology and a dedicated mother. She leaves behind a young daughter, Monah.
“I think that we are all just so blessed to be able to have the relationship that we have together, and I am so thankful that I got to see Angie be a mom," Jasmin said.
Jessica and Jasmin say Monah and Angelica were the best of friends.
“Her universe revolved around Monah," Jessica said.
“We're always going to be telling stories about her mom," Danica said. "She’s going to spend time with us more, and when she’s with us, she gets kind of a glimpse of who her mom was as well."
At the time of the crash, 25 people had died on Portland streets in traffic incidents this year. As of Thursday morning, that number rose to 36, nearly on pace with 2023.
Last year was the deadliest in three decades, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation.
The sisters hope Angelica isn’t remembered for her death but rather her life as a mother, sister and best friend.
“She isn’t just another victim of an accident,” Jessica said. “She was a literal angel, and I know that she has impacted so many lives.”
Angelica’s daughter Monah is being cared for by her father and her aunts. The family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and support Monah’s future.
More Than A Number aims to help give a face and a voice to victims and families impacted by tragedies. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a homicide and would like to share your story, you can reach out to us by sending an email to morethananumber@kgw.com.