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In Memorium
Cynthia Christine Scott
September 18, 1987 - October 16, 2005
Cadet
United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol
From the memorial service:
Cynthia's life was one of endless joy and happiness for all those who knew her. As a young child, she loved the world around her, and would go hiking and exploring often with her family. She brought curiosity and excitement, making the world anew for us. We learned so much from her. Not just how to see and experience the gift of life, but also how to give unconditional love. Cynthia was very empathetic, and could feel the pain and joy of others. Sometimes she considered this a gift, while other times, a curse. However, she always took her ability to feel others pain as a way to help relieve it, while deeply sharing in the joy she would bring to others.Cynthia loved the sea, the stars, and the land. She loved the wonder and excitement of nature, the universe, and all living things. From the depths of the ocean to the far off reaches of the galaxy, Cynthia was full of wonder. As a small child, for bedtime stories we would read to her not stories of princesses and dragons, but rather chapters from natural history and the origins of human kind. We would sit and discuss for hours the origins of the universe and of world history, debating dark matter and what it meant to live in a democracy.
She was both loyal and dedicated to the ideals of liberty and justice. At the age of 12 she joined the United States Auxiliary Air Force, Civil Air Patrol (CAP). After almost six years of service, she had risen to the rank of Cadet Commander of the Camarillo Composite Squadron 61, Group 4, of the California Wing.
Cynthia also loved school. From her first day of kindergarten to her first day at college, she ran enthusiastically towards learning and challenges, both of the mind and of the body. She excelled in basketball and swimming and was a member of the academic decathlon team at Royal High School. She participated actively in her faith as a Roman Catholic and recently took part in a religious retreat called the Phillip Course at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church. There she confirmed her faith, love, and devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her beloved family, including parents, Tom and Sue Scott; grandparents, Derek and Verena Thomas, and Genevieve and Tom Sneed; siblings, Heather, Samuel, Charlie, and Elliana; aunts, Sharon, Regina, Andrea, Tienou, and Zuzana; uncles, Michael, Martin, Paul, Tony, and Terry; and cousins Greg and Adam Figueroa, and Danny Sneed, as well as all of her cousins in England.
A memorial fund has been set up in Cynthia's memory. If you would like to contribute, please send donations to:
Vista Federal Credit Union
C/O Cynthia Scott Memorial Fund
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
800-838-4782
I am
I am the morning fog
A haze that passes through
I am a leaping frog
The old owl whispering 'who'
I am the evening star
A friendly evening light
I am so very far
A mighty star so bright
I am so ever loud
An ever cawing crow
I am a dark black cloud
The cause of frozen snow
I am a thunderbolt
A dangerous sight to see
I am a bucking colt
A feisty one, that's me
I am the black lagoon
A dew drop in the sky
I am the desert moon
A twinkle in your eye
- Cynthia Scott, 2002
From the Ventura County Star:
Simi Valley teen killed in car crash
She was a passenger in vehicle that hit pole on Los Angeles Avenue near Moorpark
By Maria Gonzalez, mgonzalez@VenturaCountyStar.com
October 17, 2005An 18-year-old Simi Valley woman was killed early Sunday after a car she was riding in hit a telephone pole, authorities said.
Cynthia Christine Scott died at Simi Valley Hospital shortly after the crash in the 1000 block of West Los Angeles Avenue about 1:20 a.m. Sunday. Scott was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Walter Santana Cervantes, 18, of Simi Valley, police said.
Cervantes and Scott were heading west on West Los Angeles Avenue in a 2000 Honda Civic near the Moorpark city limits when, for an unknown reason, Cervantes lost control and crashed into the telephone pole, police said. The Ventura County Fire Department used the "jaws of life" to get Scott and Cervantes out of the car.
Both Scott and Cervantes were taken to Simi Valley Hospital. Cervantes was treated at the hospital for his injuries, which were described as not life-threatening, police said. The accident was being investigated by the Simi Valley Police Department, which reported that alcohol apparently was not involved.
Tire marks on the two-lane road showed the car had been following the street's sharp curve to the right and veered left after the turn rather than continuing straight. The marks stretched for about 200 feet before the car hit the pole in the opposite shoulder, police said. The force of the impact shattered the base of the wooden pole, thrusting it forward and into one of dozens of concrete blocks lining the south side of the road. The crash also toppled a street sign along the eastbound side, indicating the curve in the road and a speed limit of 45 mph on the turn.
Sunday morning, a single bouquet of flowers in a plastic cup had been left at the base. A makeshift cross also had been made from pieces of wood from the broken pole. Debris from the red car, such as the casing of a rear-view mirror, lay strewn in the dirt along the side of the road.
Police said the cause of Sunday's crash had not yet been determined.
From the Ventura County Star
Teens at risk from speeding, CHP says
Driving too fast reported to cause more traffic deaths than alcoholBy Maria Gonzalez, mgonzalez@VenturaCountyStar.com
October 23, 2005Moments before the crash that claimed her life one week ago, Cynthia Scott sent a text message to a friend.
"Just heading home .. we were just breaking in walter's brakes .. scary (stuff)," it read.
Scott, 18, and her boyfriend, Walter Cervantes, were driving on West Los Angeles Avenue about 1:20 a.m. Sunday heading into Moorpark when they hit a curve. Cervantes' car spun out of control, slid nearly 200 feet and slammed into a wooden pole.
Less than two hours later, Scott died at Simi Valley Hospital.
"Just to go out and to drive that fast on that road, that's going to inevitably end in tragedy," said Scott's uncle, Anthony Sneed of Santa Clarita.
For Scott's family, the death has focused light on the issue of young people taking dangerous chances with speed and their cars.
A similar tragedy occurred the next day in Thousand Oaks. Krystin Shank, 18, of Agoura Hills died when the vehicle she was riding in hit an oak tree along Westlake Boulevard south of Kanan Road. The force of the crash uprooted the tree and nearly folded the vehicle in half.
The driver, Sean Gittens, 18, is home from the hospital but has only recently learned that Shank, whom he was dating, died in the crash.
"Physically, he is doing better," said Gittens' mother, Pier Gittens. "Emotionally, he is not."
A preliminary assessment shows Gittens had been traveling about 75 mph in a 50 mph zone on a wet road, said Rick Godfrey, a senior deputy and accident reconstructionist for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. Simi Valley Police also suspect Cervantes was speeding. Both accidents remain under investigation.
The leading cause of traffic fatalities statewide is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, for drivers younger than 19, unsafe speed killed more people statewide than drunken-driving in both 2002 and 2003, according to the California Highway Patrol. In Ventura County last year, more drivers from ages 15 to 29 caused fatal collisions because of speeding than because of driving under the influence.
"There is no question that speeding is the cause of many of the accidents, particularly with younger drivers, that the CHP investigates," said Steve Reid, CHP spokesman.
"The message the CHP wants to get out to all drivers, but specifically younger drivers, is to slow down, watch your speed and make sure that they and their passengers always wear a seat belt."
Relationship causes rift
The results of excessive speed too often result in families being torn apart.
Scott and Cervantes graduated from Royal High School in June. They had been dating about a year, but the relationship had caused a rift between Scott and her parents.
She was studying psychology at California State University, Channel Islands, while living with her grandmother in Thousand Oaks. Cervantes, a Simi Valley resident who suffered minor injuries in the crash, is a biology student at California State University, Northridge.
Despite having moved out, Scott made almost daily visits to her home in Simi Valley.
"We have a very functional, happy, intact family," said her father, Tom Scott. "Her only contention was that she wanted to have unlimited freedom with Walter, and we wouldn't allow that."
Scott was the oldest of five children, and her interests varied from drawing anime, or Japanese animation, to being a cadet commander for the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 61 in Camarillo, which she had participated in for six years.
A memorial online site set up by Scott's younger sister, Heather, 15, already has received dozens of comments in one week. Those friends also have extended sympathy to Cervantes for losing his girlfriend. However, the Scotts cannot be as sympathetic.
"If he really loved her, he wouldn't have been that careless," Heather said.
An e-mail message sent from The Star to Cervantes was not returned.
His driving was a concern
For Shank and Gittens, it was an instant connection after meeting at Moorpark College this fall, but Gittens' driving concerned Shank enough to tell her mother about it.
"She had told me she didn't like Sean's driving," Gayle Shank said. "She said that he drove a little fast, and she didn't like that."
The Shanks believe their daughter died because of careless behavior.
"I thought he was a nice kid," Gayle Shank said. "I'm not saying he's not a nice kid, but he acted extremely irresponsibly to take a risk with my daughter's life."
Gittens' mother, Pier Gittens, said her family is hurting along with Shank's family. She declined further comment.
Gayle Shank said parents need to help young people understand the consequences of risky driving.
"I do think that these kids do not have any understanding of the fact that driving a car is an extremely responsible thing," she said. "I don't think they know that you can really get hurt. They think they have full control, and they don't have full control."
Mainly, the families are struggling with their grief.
"It's hard to believe your child is dead," Tom Scott said, "and when they said those words to us, those words were just unbelievable."
"My daughter was a beautiful, smart girl with a wonderful future ahead of her," Gayle Shank said. "Now she no longer has her life, and our lives are ruined."
The following are edited comments from the Ventura County Star:
Cynthia was a young and beautiful girl. She was in honors classes in H.S. and graduated last year.She had been attending Channel Islands, and was also working. She was a very loving big sister to her 4 younger sibllings and had been an active young catholic girl. Her big bright beautiful blue eyes and her flowing blonde hair were just a frame for her angelic sun kissed face. She was even more beautiful on the inside. We love her now and always. Please pray for her and her family. She was an innocent victim in this accident!
1:08:34 p.m. on October 17, 2005
VERONICA FORSYTHE
Cynthia was a beautiful girl and I have been honoured to have known her, even for a short period of time. She helped me out babysitting my own daughter at times. I have now moved back to England and was devastated to hear the news. My love and thoughts go out to her wonderful family.
Rest in Peace.
1:43:13 p.m. on October 17, 2005
LOUISE TUSON
Cynthia was a friend of mine, we talked every day at school, and I was on Royal's wrestling team for a year with Walter. Please try to see the situation from her friends' and family's point of view before you comment here.
Cynthia, there must have been a reason He called you home. I will miss you.
2:45:30 p.m. on October 17, 2005
ALAN SEIFERT
I knew them both and saw them not more than 20 minutes before the accident . . . our thoughts and prayers should be with eveyone involved, especially at this time.
Rest in peace, Cynthia. Give us all the courage to cope with your loss. We will miss you.3:54:19 p.m. on October 17, 2005
EDWARD RAMIRE
I was there, me and Edward were following behind . . . both Walter and Cynthia were friends of mine.
My prayers go out to Cynthia and her family and to Walter and his family.5:52:07 p.m. on October 17, 2005
JESUS MARTINE
I am truly sorry to hear that a Civil Air Patrol cadet is now not among us, no matter what the circumstances are. Cynthia and my daughter, Valerie Holmes, attended CAP Encampment at Camp San Luis Obispo and my daughter was very upset when I told her. The cadets are truly special people - donating their time and volunteering. My sympathies and prayers to the family and friends of this young lady.
Marilyn Silva
Newark, CA10:33:42 a.m. on October 18, 2005
MARILYN SILVA
RIP cynthia scott. I love you man. I'll never forget our days at encampment together. KP duty for life. I miss you:[
VALERIE HOLMES
Cynthia may you rest in peace.
Walter may you find the strength to go on.
And to their families my prayers go out to you.Her smile will be missed.
2:03:27 p.m. on October 18, 2005
MALLORY CAMPISI
RIP from CAP Squadron 23- Marin County, CA (PCR-CA-016). Six of our cadets attended encampment this year with her. If she was like my cadets, she was dedicated and honorable. May the family stay strong.
1Lt. Michael Allen
Deputy Commander, ES/Health Svc Ofcr.
Marin Air Search and Rescue, CAP Sqd. 237:22:08 p.m. on October 18, 2005
M A
RIP Scott... I will always miss you, Encampment was awesome and I will never forget you. Golf Flight will miss you. We all love you! (I'm writting this and crying at the same time).
Cadet Scott was an awesome person.
RIP Scott!!!
-Stephanie M. Pauli
P.S.- You will never be forgotten!!!
8:22:50 p.m. on October 18, 2005
STEPH PAULI
I am a friend of Cynthia's mom. I knew Cynthia and admired her determination. The news came today and I am still shaking. Oh my GOD!!! My prayers go out to The whole Scott family. All I can say is that the world has lost someone that had a most promising future and was really going places in this world and she was going to make a difference. I hope that this tragedy helps teenagers out there realize that they are not invincible. Maybe in death she will make a difference if just one teenage life is spared by reading this senseless death of a beautiful girl.
My love Amanda Scott (Bunco sister)
11:31:43 p.m. on October 18, 2005
AMANDA SCOTT
Cynthia...She will always be remembered as a smart, intelligent, caring, fun, loving, etc... individual. Cynthia babysat for my two girls numerous times. I absolutely adored her!!! Our family is stunned and saddened by the accident. She will be missed!!!!
As for the Scott family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in our paryers!
Michelle
1:02:54 a.m. on October 19, 2005
MICHELLE SHARP
R.I.P Cynthia Scott. *HUGS* to both the Scott and Cervantes family.
1:38:29 p.m. on October 19, 2005
DESTINEE GUTIERRE
Cadet Scott was a great cadet. I had the privledge of knowing her in CAP both when I was a cadet and after I became a senior member. She was always one you could count on to do something and help out. She will be missed by all of us at SQ. 1986 and I am sure by the rest of California wing.
TFO. Chris Thomas
leadership Officer Sq. 1986 Simi Challengers5:01:09 p.m. on October 19, 2005
CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
Cynthia Scott, is such an amazing girl and even though I didnt know her very long I still will cherish all the memories I shared with her. She will be truly missed! And I pray for Walter to keep on going for himself and for Cynthia. My prayers go out to Cynthia and her family and to Walter and his family!
R.I.P Cynthia Scott7:26:05 p.m. on October 19, 2005
STEVEN STEWART
Cynthia, I miss you so much. The moment I found out I started crying and couldn't stop. Any time I think about encampment I think of you, and how you were always helping our flight, helping us with anything from smiling socks, too keeping us smiling. You were allways checking on everyone. I'll never forget our attempts to try and get Sgt Zhang laugh, with you at the lead, (and it worked!). As I attend all the CAP activites we planned to "conquer" together, I will be taking you with me in my heart.
I will always remember your smile, your laugh, the way you care about every thing, you humming that "My Chemical Romance" song (constantly), and the way you can make anything fun. Though I have only known you a short time, you are a blessing in my life.
You are a true angel, in heaven and on earth.Golf Flight Gunners Forever!
~Tasha Freeman11:23:12 p.m. on October 20, 2005
ME DUCKY