Modesto Families Seek Answers After Two Students Killed in Coffee Road Crosswalk; Flashing Lights Planned

MODESTO, Calif. — November 5, 2026. Families and neighbors are demanding answers and lasting pedestrian-safety improvements nearly a month after a driver struck two teenage students in a marked crosswalk on Coffee Road near Thomas Downey High School. The students — Nicole Cotzojay, 15, and Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16 — were struck October 9. Mendoza Magallon died that day; Cotzojay died October 12. SFGATE’s November 4 follow-up documents the families’ concerns and the city’s response.

What remains unresolved?

Police said the driver cooperated at the scene, and initial observations did not indicate alcohol or drug impairment. Investigators have continued reviewing the collision scene and searching for surveillance footage. No charges had been publicly announced in the reporting reviewed November 4. That does not establish legal fault for either the driver or pedestrians; investigators must assess the evidence before reaching conclusions.

Families want physical safety changes

Relatives and community organizers are pressing the city to add a pedestrian-activated warning device, improve lighting and slow approaching cars near the high school. Verenice Gomez, a cousin of Mendoza Magallon, organized an online petition supporting crossing upgrades. The KCRA report from October 27 also describes calls for immediate protective measures, not just longer-term road planning.

Flashing pedestrian beacons tentatively scheduled for November 12

Modesto said it is undertaking the Coffee Road Pavement Rehabilitation Phase II project and is seeking grant money to accelerate safety work. A spokesperson told SFGATE that the city tentatively plans to install rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Coffee Road on November 12. That is a prospective installation date, not proof that warning equipment is already operating. Timing may change because of construction and approvals.

What residents should monitor

The specific location is the 1100 block of Coffee Road by the school crossing. Drivers should slow down, obey school-zone signs and give pedestrians the right of way. Residents can check the City of Modesto for construction notices, council records and public-safety updates. California58 will not characterize an ongoing investigation as resolved, nor promise a fixed date for improvements until the city confirms installation.

Sources: SFGATE November 4, 2026; KCRA October 27; Modesto Police and City of Modesto statements quoted in those reports. October deaths are reported as historical facts; November 5 is this follow-up publication’s date.

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