A California woman fell to her death from the third floor of a parking structure near a mall while practicing stunts on a motorcycle, authorities said.
Maribel Espitia was riding the bike near Macy’s on McBean Parkway in Valencia before the tragic accident on Monday, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s spokeswoman Natalie Arriaga said.
Several people were teaching the woman how to ride the motorcycle in the parking garage when she suddenly veered off.
She lost control, struck a wall and fell to her death from the structure near the Valencia Town Center, officials said. “She was propelled over the front of the bike.”
“My best friend Maribel Espitia was in a tragic accident and lost her life,” Destiny Gonzalez wrote in a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $14,000 as of Thursday morning.
“Anyone who knew or met Maribel knew that she was an exceptional person who you only meet once in a lifetime. Words itself can’t even describe how pure and kind hearted she was, she left us all way too soon,” she wrote.
“Anything that can be donated to help with her funeral cost or other expenses would greatly be appreciated. All donations will be given to her parents Susana and Sergio Espitia,” Gonzalez added.
Mall workers said the garage is a known destination where bikers perform “donuts,” news media reported.
“I know friends want to teach people, but if you’re that interested, take a professional course,” Sheriff Department Sgt. Dave Shoemaker said, according to the news outlet.
A memorial for Espitia is planned for Thursday evening at the Infiniti of Valencia, where she worked.
