Gabriela “Gaby” Rivera was loved by many.
She was a well-known, decorated athlete at Lyford High School.
But the 15-year-old’s father Johnny Rivera said the accolades and applauses never got to his daughters head.
“She was humble,” her grieving father said. “She didn’t like to be in the limelight. She like to be number one, but she didn't like to be showed off" added Mr. Rivera.
On Tuesday, Gabby was the center of attention in Lyford.
She was tragically killed Monday night in an ATV rollover on a muddy patch of road just east of town.
The teen and seven fellow volleyball teammates were involved in the accident, but only Gaby was killed.
She died on the scene, sources said, after being pinned underneath the ATV.
"It's a shock, but we have God in our lives,” add Rivera. “Like my wife says her goal was to be number one in her class, and she did it. She had goals.”
Rivera told Action 4 News his daughter was also religious and involved in her church.
He said people were attracted to her friendly personality and drive as a student and athlete.
She was just a normal kid looking to have some fun when she got onto the ATV with friends.
“It’s was not a toy, but we trusted Gaby and she made the choice to get on but you can't supervise them 24/7 kids will be kids,” Rivera said.
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