Family of woman killed in Vegas crash speaks out

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A Valley man is speaking out, two months after his wife was killed while walking on the Las Vegas strip. Jessica Valenzuela was the sole fatality after a woman drove into pedestrians on the Strip, wounding dozens.

Axel Valenzuela opened up about his wife, their love, and that devastating day. He says what was supposed to be a celebration of their life together turned tragic within minutes.

"It was love at first sight when we met," said Axel Valenzuela.

"Forever Mine" those are the words he engraved into his wife's wedding ring, the words he holds onto today on what would have been Jessica's 33rd birthday.

"I'm just very thankful that God put her in my life, even though it was a short ten years, I'm very thankful for him putting her in my life, and I have my beautiful girls," he said.

Axel and Jessica married just months after a chance encounter at a Phoenix bar. He moved from California to be with her and the couple had three children.

Two months ago, they went to Las Vegas to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.

"Went downstairs and we weren't even on the street for five minutes when it happened," said Valenzuela.

Police say Jessica was killed when the driver plowed through pedestrians on the strip.

"I want to thank everybody that prayed and helped donate, it's been very tough for me," he said.

His daughters help him make his day a little bright, making a cake for their mom. Even in sorrow for Axel today is worth celebrating.

"I know a lot of people go through life without finding their soulmate, but I found mine, we found each other," said Valenzuela.

The memories are etched in his heart, their love his forever.

The driver arrested in the hit and run is 24-year-old Lakeisha Holloway, she is facing charges of murder and attempted murder.