Alexia Rosales, 22, was killed after she was pinned under a car that crashed into the fencing of a play area.
SAN ANTONIO — The Fair Oaks preschool teacher who tragically died last week is being hailed a hero.
Her family said detectives told her she was captured on a surveillance video pushing children out of the way and shielding a child as a car slammed into them.
The crash happened Thursday at ExcellED Montessori Plus Daycare Preschool following a holiday performance.
Alexia Rosales, 22, was killed after she was pinned under a car that crashed into the fencing of a play area. Five children were hospitalized. Only one remains in the ICU, fighting for her life.
Another teacher was hospitalized that night. She said she has been Alexia’s best friend since high school. The teacher who only wanted to go by her first name, Alicia, spoke with KENS 5 over the phone Monday.
“I miss her and I don’t know how I’m going to navigate life without her,” Alicia said.
Investigators believe the crash was caused after a driver suffered a medical episode and excelled into another vehicle, causing both to crash into the fence. Alicia said it happened so quickly.
“I just remember I was standing and the next thing I knew I was looking up at the sky,” Alicia said.
Alicia was rushed to the hospital, along with five other one-year-olds. She said she did not know what happened to her best friend until her boss came to visit her in the ER.
“One of my bosses was like telling me ‘It’s okay’ and I was like ‘Where is Alexia?’” Alicia said. “She just started crying.”
Jaylene Rosales is Alexia’s sister. She said Alexia had wrapped one of her students in her arms to shield them from the vehicle.
“She pushed herself first so she could save those kids,” Jaylene said. “She wasn’t looking at it in fear, she died a hero.”
However, 1-year-old Mkaya Amrani is still fighting for her life, according to her parents. They were not ready to go on camera but her father told KENS 5 in a statement, “My daughter remains in critical condition and is receiving excellent care. We humbly ask for your continued prayers for her recovery.”
Mkaya’s father said he was in the ambulance as he watched paramedics bring her back to life. He said when they found her at the scene, she had no pulse.
He said they are seeking answers as to if this tragedy could have been prevented.
“We understand that Bexar County are still investigating the case, but progress has been slow, and we feel there’s a lack of clarity when we ask for answers,” MKaya’s father said. “We are committed to pursuing justice—not only for our daughter but also for the teacher who lost her life in this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Meanwhile, Alexia’s family spent their day planning her funeral and memorial. Alexia was set to graduate college in a year to become an elementary school teacher. Her passion in life was taking care of her students.
“She’s taking care of all the babies right now that are in heaven that didn’t get all the love that they deserved here,” Alicia said.
BCSO said no charges have been filed in this case. Therefore, they are not releasing the identity of the driver involved. The other four children who were hurt are recovering at home.