Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
MIDVALE — Outside of Simplicity Ink, a beauty salon in Midvale, there were local businesses that set up shop on Sunday afternoon hoping people would buy flowers, food or drinks.
But it was not to benefit them; the funds raised went toward helping the family of Lizbeth Rodriguez.
"I actually taught her how to do eyebrows almost two years ago now. She was one of my first students," said Florencia Peña, owner of Simplicity Ink.
Peña said Rodriguez worked with her for about 18 months. She described Rodriguez as creative and talented.
"As soon as you met Liz, you knew how caring she was, how trustworthy, always willing to go the extra mile to help," Peña said.
Rodriguez; her partner, 23-year-old Antonio Mireles; and his sister, 24-year-old Jessica Mireles were all killed in a car crash in West Valley on March 8. Peña said Rodriguez leaves behind two children under the age of 4.
Police said they ran a red light at a Mountain View Corridor intersection, causing a three-vehicle crash.
"It felt unreal that it was actually her, and we just quickly came together as a team and were like, 'What can we do to help her?' It was a no-brainer," Peña said.
Several businesses reached out to Peña asking how they could help. Many donated services or items to be raffled off. People who attended even wore pink or purple, Rodriguez's favorite colors.
"My mommy heart is aching for her because that's a terrible tragedy," said Estrella Lopez, one of the attendees. "Any little thing that I can help to do, I'm willing to do."
To donate*, contact Simplicity Ink on Instagram @simplicityink or by calling 385-457-1885.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
