On What Would Have Been Her 20th Birthday, Family Remembers Woman Killed In Crash

Friends and family are honoring a young woman who would have turned 20 years old Wednesday, after police said she died when a man drove into the Arkansas River during a police chase.

Nathaly Medina was a passenger in the car.

Nathaly's friends and family celebrated what would've been her 20th birthday with balloons, hugs and memories, at Chandler Park.

"She's a lovable caring person, she's always there for us she fights for us," said her brother Kevin Hernandez. 

Nathaly's brothers Kevin Hernandez and Alexis Medina said their sister was positive and energetic, and was nicknamed "Smiley."

"She had all the love, she deserved more, she had more potential out here in life," Hernandez.

Kevin said they were a close-knit family, and Nathaly had a bunch of friends too.

"She got caught up with the wrong people," Hernandez said. 

Tulsa police said Jose Lara Garcia took officers on a chase after they tried to pull him over for reckless driving on Monday.

Related Story: Murder Charges Filed Against Man Accused Of Driving Into Arkansas River During Pursuit

They said he crashed into some poles before plunging into the Arkansas River near 61st and Riverside. One passenger was seriously hurt, but Nathaly was in the backseat and she died. A dive team recovered her yesterday.

"Since that happened, she's not here, to fight for us," Hernandez said. 

At the memorial, Nathaly's mother talked about the pain she's feeling and how grateful she is for support from her friends and family. The family lit candles and everyone released balloons in Nathaly's honor.

"I hope she is celebrating her 20th birthday up there with the angels in heaven," said Hernandez. 

Friends and family collected money for Nathaly's family. If you would like to donate to help the family, visit the GoFundMe here.