Priscilla Mafalda, a vibrant 25-year-old woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, had been looking forward to her long-awaited vacation in Florida. Just hours before tragedy struck, she sent an excited text to her close friend Thaiz Ramos: “Friend, I’m very tired, but thank God I’m finally taking some vacation time. I’m going to Florida.” She promised to call as soon as she arrived safely at her destination. That call never came. Mafalda was killed in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia, in the early hours of May 30, 2026, when a charter bus slammed into her SUV and other vehicles in a chain-reaction collision.

Her friend Ramos later shared the devastating reality with reporters: “I am still waiting for that call.” Those simple words capture the profound grief and disbelief felt by Mafalda’s loved ones, who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young woman described as having “a heart bigger than words can describe” and “so many dreams and plans for her future.”

A Joyful Trip Cut Short

Mafalda was driving alone in a Chevrolet Suburban on her way south when the crash occurred around 2:35 a.m. The bus, traveling from New York City toward Charlotte, North Carolina, failed to slow down in a work zone where traffic had slowed. It struck her vehicle, which then collided with an Acura SUV carrying a family of four from Greenfield, Massachusetts. All five Massachusetts residents perished in the fiery pile-up, while dozens more were injured.

For Mafalda, the trip represented a much-needed break. Born in Brazil, she had built a life in Massachusetts and worked hard in her community. Friends and co-workers remembered her as someone full of life, always planning ahead with optimism and energy. The vacation to Florida was supposed to be a time for rest and renewal after a busy period. Instead, it became her final journey.

Ramos, who received the last text messages, has been left in a state of emotional limbo. The promise of a simple phone call — something so ordinary yet now so painfully significant — haunts her. “Part of me still cannot believe she is gone,” Ramos said, reflecting the disbelief shared by many who knew Mafalda.

The Crash That Claimed Five Lives

The collision on I-95 was one of the most serious highway incidents in Virginia in recent memory. The bus driver has been charged in connection with the crash, as authorities investigate why the vehicle did not slow down in the construction zone. The impact caused multiple vehicles to catch fire, complicating rescue efforts and adding to the horror of the scene.

In addition to Mafalda, the victims included a family of four from Greenfield — Dmitri Doncev, 45, his wife Ecaterina Doncev, 44, and their children, 13-year-old Emily and 7-year-old Mark. The Doncev family was traveling to South Carolina for a relative’s wedding, carrying homemade desserts prepared for the celebration. Their loss has devastated the Greenfield community, where they were known as a close-knit, loving family who had immigrated from Moldova.

The crash injured 44 other people, many of whom were transported to nearby hospitals. Some were treated for serious injuries, though most have since been discharged. The scale of the tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures in highway work zones.

Remembering Priscilla Mafalda

Those who knew Mafalda paint a picture of a compassionate, ambitious young woman with a bright future ahead. She had built strong connections in Worcester and was remembered for her kindness and vibrant personality. Co-workers described her as someone who brought energy and positivity to any room she entered. Her sudden death has left a noticeable void in the community.

Friends have organized tributes and fundraisers to support her family and cover funeral expenses. Many have shared memories highlighting her dreams — travel, personal growth, and making meaningful connections. The fact that she was heading to Florida for a well-deserved break makes her loss even more poignant. She had expressed exhaustion but also excitement in her final messages, looking forward to sunshine and relaxation.

Her Brazilian roots and life in Massachusetts created a rich cultural background that influenced her warm, welcoming nature. Family and friends say she embraced life fully and was always planning her next adventure. The vacation she never got to enjoy now stands as a symbol of dreams interrupted too soon.

A Community in Mourning

The dual loss — both the Greenfield family and Mafalda — has deeply affected communities across Massachusetts. In Worcester, colleagues and friends have gathered to honor her memory, sharing stories of her generosity and spirit. In Greenfield, the close-knit town continues to support the Doncev family’s loved ones through vigils and assistance.

The crash has also sparked broader conversations about highway safety, bus driver regulations, and the vulnerability of work zones. Virginia State Police and federal authorities are conducting a full investigation, with the bus driver facing charges related to the incident.

For Ramos and Mafalda’s other friends, the grief is compounded by the ordinary nature of that last text exchange. A simple message about vacation plans and a promised phone call now serves as a final, bittersweet connection. The silence following that message has become a daily reminder of what was lost.

A Tragic Reminder of Life’s Fragility

Tragedies like this one remind us how quickly life can change. A young woman excited for vacation, a family heading to a wedding with homemade treats — ordinary journeys that ended in unimaginable loss. Mafalda’s story, in particular, resonates because of the personal, human detail of her last texts. The promise to call upon arrival — something millions do every day — now carries heartbreaking weight.

As investigations continue and communities mourn, the focus remains on honoring the victims and supporting their families. GoFundMe campaigns have been established to help with funeral costs and provide assistance to those left behind. The outpouring of love and support reflects the impact Mafalda and the Doncev family had on those around them.

For Thaiz Ramos, the wait for that promised call may never end, but the memory of her friend’s excitement and kindness will endure. In the midst of sorrow, Mafalda’s final messages serve as a testament to a life lived with anticipation and joy — even if that joy was cut tragically short on a dark stretch of highway in Virginia.

The families affected by this crash will carry the pain of these losses for years to come. Yet through their shared grief, communities in Massachusetts and beyond have come together, celebrating the lives of five individuals who were taken far too soon.