A representative from CRMC is speaking out after two employees died in the tragic limo accident over the weekend.
Michelle Estrera and Neriza Fojas were both nurses at CRMC. They were in the limo that was engulfed in flames Saturday night on the San Mateo Bridge.
It's a tragedy that has touched the nation, but more so touched our community right here at home.
"When it happens to your family, emotions really do come out," said Karen Buckley, Chief Nursing Officer at CRMC.
Buckley said staff members were shocked to hear of the tragic incident that took the lives of two nurses, Michelle Estrera and Neriza Fojas.
"They learned probably about 12 hours after the event," said Buckley.
Unanswered questions only make it all that much harder.
The five women who died were celebrating Fojas' recent marriage when the limo the women were riding in erputed into flames.
Some nurses who were planning to attend the celebration are now trying to cope.
"It's kind of that survivor kind of guilt that we're working through that as well with them," said Buckley.
Meanwhile, the tragedy also comes as a surprise to others in the community. One neighbor would attend family functions at Estrera's home and can't believe she's gone.
"I was shocked. We actually said a prayer for her this morning," said Estrera's neighbor, Jovita Cabusas.
Doris Evangilista is an owner of a local restaurant. She said Estrera was a regular and they'll miss her smile.
"She usually stand right there and pick whatever she wanted to bring home to her in-laws," said Evangilista.
Flowers are being dropped off at Estrera's doorstep.
CRMC said they plan to honor the lives of the two nurses who touched the hearts of many and push forward.
"Just getting through the rest of the week...it's been, it's been really hard," said Buckley.
The hospital is working with the family to come up with a date to honor the nurses.