(February 16, 2009)

SAN DIEGO, TX--The small town of San Diego is coming together after a 13-year old girl was killed by a hit and run driver. Tonight. Police are looking for the driver of an 18-wheeler.

The teenager is being remembered as a peacemaker. Her tragic death has touched many lives in the small town.

In the middle of San Diego, Texas on Highway 44, there's a memorial dedicated to 13-year-old Clarissa Gonzalez. Officers said she was hit by a 18-wheeler Friday night near the Church's Chicken and she later died from her injuries.

Her teachers said she was a special student with great talents.

"Always there a smile on her face and a kind word for someone who needed kind words," said Irma Alaniz, who was her reading teacher. "Always extra sensitive to other people's feelings."

Within 24 hours of her death, classmates held a candlelight vigil and a procession to her home. Upon their return to school on Monday, counselors were available for students at her junior high school.

"We're in the healing process right now and we're taking it one class at a time," Alaniz said. "It has been devastating for them."

Police said it's possible the driver never knew he hit Gonzalez. They're still trying to identify the driver, but they have one strong lead after pulling over a big rig in Duval County.

"We did make contact with a vehicle and that's going to be our vehicle of interest," said Sgt. Alan Gonzalez of the San Diego Police Department. "We are following leads,"

A rosary for Gonzalez is set for Wednesday night at 7 pm with visitation starting at 1 pm at the Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, followed by her funeral Thursday morning at 10 am in San Diego. School leaders said students will be excused so they can attend the services as long as their parents pick them up at school. Many are expected to attend.

"It was because of the great love we had for her and she was such a beautiful little girl that you feel compelled to be there," said Alaniz. "You have to. It just something you need to do."

Students at both San Diego High School and the Bernarda Jaime Junior High School in San Diego are collection donations to help the family with funeral expenses. You can donate money by going to the principal office on both campuses.