Friends Hold Service For Water Slide Victim

Hundreds of friends and classmates gathered Saturday to remember 18-year-old Quimby Ghilotti, with many weeping as they watched a videotaped interview of the girl and her mother making dinner.

The tape was made last year, long before Quimby was killed and 32 of her Napa High School classmates injured in Monday’s collapse of a water slide at Concord’s Waterworld USA.

In the KGO-TV story about the gap between generations, Quimby and her mother, Victoria Nelson, were questioned as they worked side-by-side making pizza in their home. Hands clasped, the two were asked if there was a distance between them.

“It’s hard because we’re so close,” Quimby replied. “I really love my mom. … I would like to be like her.”

There were sobs from the 800 people packed into the school’s gym for the memorial service. Nearby, Quimby’s picture sat on stage, surrounded by flowers. Her mother and father were among the mourners.

The students were on their senior class trip when the 40-foot high Banzai Pipeline collapsed. A piece of the slide broke open and twisted upside down as it fell, dropping the students to the ground. A dozen students remained hospitalized Saturday.

Vice Principal Roger Ashlock, a chaperone for the trip, said the accident had stolen the youth from many Napa High seniors.

“Students lose the essence of their childhood, responding to the needs of the injured, helping to save the lives of their classmates,” he said.

Friends remembered Quimby as gentle, concerned and someone they went to for advice.

Said classmate Courtney Davidson: “She was a sweet little girl and she was my oldest friend.”