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Napa teen killed in crash
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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A Napa teenager, the daughter of a prominent Napa surgeon, was killed Sunday evening in a solo-pickup crash on First Avenue in east Napa.

Veronica Zimmermann, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Jaret Paulson.
She is the daughter of Napa plastic surgeon John Zimmermann and Bianca Zimmermann.

Veronica Zimmermann, a senior at Vintage High School, was the front-seat passenger in a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup driven by a 17-year-old Napa boy, Paulson said.
Authorities are not releasing the name of the driver, pending further investigation, Paulson said.

The driver, along with two other passengers, Britney Moore, 17, and her sibling, Holly Moore, 15, both of Napa, were treated for minor injuries at Queen of the Valley Medical Center and released, Paulson said.
The fatal accident happened around 9 p.m., on First Avenue, south of Hagen Road.

The driver of the pickup attempted to negotiate some “S” curves in the road and lost control of the pickup, Paulson said.

The vehicle rolled and slammed into a power pole, coming to rest on its top, he said.

“It looks as if the passenger side of the pickup took the brunt of the hit with the power pole,” he said.

“Vivacious, loving, caring and full of life” are the words her parents used to describe their beloved teenage daughter.

“She had a personality that never ended. She was compassionate and the first one to step in, in a crisis,” her mother said. “She wanted to be a nurse. That was just the way she was. Veronica cared so much about others, she just wanted to help.”

Bianca recalled her young daughter’s love for babies and small children.

“She had a knack for connecting with kids. She baby-sat and just loved being with the kids. And they loved her so much,” Bianca said. “Veronica had big dreams. She also loved music and to take photos. It’s so hard right now to even concentrate on what has happened. It’s like shell shock.”

Zimmermann’s father remembered the little girl from Brazil suffering from significant facial deformities who was brought to Napa for his plastic surgery.

“Veronica, who speaks fluent Spanish, connected with the little girl. Veronica was in fifth grade. She took the little girl to her classroom and introduced her to all of her classmates. She took the child under her wing,” John Zimmermann said. “That was just the way she was. Our daughter was a very generous and caring person. She was the type that if she saw someone get hurt, she was the first person there to put on the Band-Aid.”

Zimmermann’s good friend Danielle Herman said she could always count on Zimmermann to be there in a time of need.

“We’ve been friends since first grade. I lost my mom last November and Veronica was there for me — I mean really there for me. When things got tough, I could always count on her to be there to hold my head and comfort me,” Herman said. “I can’t believe she is gone.”

Michelle Tubman echoed Herman’s recollection of their close friend.

“Veronica was always so generous. If you needed gas money, she was there. If you needed a shoulder to lean on she was there. And she never asked for anything in return,” Tubman said. “You don’t meet too many friends like that in your lifetime.”

Zimmermann had just transferred this school year to Vintage High after attending her freshman, sophomore and junior years at Justin-Siena.

Alicia Vadivia was Zimmermann’s counselor when she attended Justin-Siena.

“Veronica was one of my favorite students. She was so caring and generous with her friends. Veronica had a lot of potential,” Vadivia said. “And she so loved her brother and parents. She always wanted to make them proud of her, and I’m sure she did.”

CHP Sgt. Elfido Montez said the four teens left the house on Sunday night to drop off one of the passengers to pick up their car at work.

“We are looking at several different things that could have caused the accident, such as speed and the inexperience of the young driver, who is just devastated about all of this,” Montez said.

All of the victims were wearing seat belts.

Paulson said Monday morning that neither alcohol nor drugs are considered factors in the collision.

In addition to her parents, Zimmermann is survived by her 16-year-old brother Jean-Paul Zimmermann.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the church hall.
13 comment(s)

NAPAGIRLNOMORE wrote on Oct 28, 2008 8:29 AM:

" So heart breaking,my thoughts are with Veronica's family may she rest in peace. "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:26 PM:

" A tragedy. Our condolences to the family.

Perhaps the family could set up a nursing scholarship at Napa Valley College in memory of their daughter.

My wife and I would contribute.

~Ruff "

John Richards wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Surprisingly, there is no mention as to whether she wore a seatbelt. "

Merl wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:46 PM:

" John, the article clearly states "All of the victims were wearing seat belts."


My condolences to the family. What a tragedy to lose a child... "

debiprazak wrote on Oct 28, 2008 1:48 PM:

" My nieces were the passengers in the crash and although we are happy to hear they were not hurt seriously we are very saddened by the news of their friend. Our love and prayers go out to everyone. Britney and Holly you are very missed by all your family in Des Moines IA. Hope to see you girls soon.

Love you both, Aunt Debi Maci and Matt "

arp wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:00 PM:

" John Richards
If you look at the previous articles it states that all of the kids were wearing setabelts. "

oldnapan wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:01 PM:

" My heart goes out to the Zimmermann family. I know what it feels like to loose a family member this way.
I feel for the young man that was driving. I can't imagine what he must be going though also "

UncleStuy wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:02 PM:

" In 1974, I ( age 14) was involved in an accident on Silverado Trail. In that crash, my best friend was driving. He lost control of the vehicle and died at the scene. I can only imagine, what this family and those who survived are going thru. 34 years later, I still remember that night. Every class reunion and the anniversery of the accident, I remember him. I pray for your healing and share your grief. I pray you can find forgiveness in your heart for the sake of the young man. Easier said than done. Maybe some day. It will take sometime. "

christina wrote on Oct 28, 2008 5:37 PM:

" Dear Zimmerman Family,
My heart goes out to you in this time
of your family tragedy, as I lost my two
sister in an automoble accident on
Oct. 24, 2004. Not a day goes by that
I don't miss them. Want feel was hard
for is we where triplets. But I have the
loving support of my siblings and friends. Christina McGrath "

mytwocents wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:33 PM:

" Dr and Mrs. Zimmermann, I am so terribly sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. "

john zimmermann wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:13 PM:

" To all of you that have been so generous of your sentiment, God Bless you. As Veronica's father we have found a tremendous solace in appreciating just how much happiness our sweet daughter has helped to sow in our community. We feel priveleged to have met so many fine young people through Veronica, and are heartened with thoughts of the future that will someday be their responsibility. We love them all.
John and Bianca Zimmermann "

HaveFaith wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:40 PM:

" Dear Zimmerman Family: Although I have not had the pleasure of knowing your family personally, I am very sorry to have learned about the loss of your beautiful daughter. From what I have read she was obviously an amazing young woman who touched so many lives in a variety of ways. I pray that God will keep your family strong by providing family, friends and the community when you need them the most now and in the future. I’m sure Veronica’s name will live on in the Napa Valley, as there are so many people who loved her and have nothing but kind things to say. God bless you all. "

LIVINGinNapa wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:55 PM:

" My heart is filled with sorrow to hear of Veronica's passing. When Veronica first passed her babysitting training course at age 12 or 13, she watched my young children. It was obvious, even then, that she was a very caring, responsible and self-less young lady who loved babies and had a way of warming hearts. Mr. & Mrs. Zimmerman, and Jean-Paul, my heart goes out to you. My family will never forget Veronica. "

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