Family of woman fatally hit by car at Folsom Light Rail station hopes to create legacy in her name

The woman who was fatally hit by a Tesla while she was waiting for a train at the Folsom Light Rail station on Iron Point Road has been identified as a popular local dance teacher and mentor to many. Elinor Peace Steffy of Sacramento, 22, was on her way to work at the Hawkins School of the Performing Arts in Folsom when she was struck by the car. The horrific crash happened Thursday, Jan. 22, at around 3 p.m. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Tesla swerved off the road and plowed into the parking area of the light rail station, striking Steffy as she waited for her train; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Folsom Police continue to investigate the crash but may not release answers as to why the Tesla driver veered off the road and into the light rail station area for some time. Now, Steffy's loved ones are reeling from the shocking loss. A fundraiser has been set up by the family to establish a non-profit in her name, paving the way for a long-lasting legacy for a woman whose life was cut short. In the GoFundMe page, Elinor's mother, Delcy Steffy, describes her daughter as much more than a dance teacher but a friend and inspiration to many in the Sacramento community and beyond. "Her passion for dance was matched only by her love for her students," Delcy Steffy wrote. "Elinor believed in nurturing each child as an individual, helping them discover their own style and voice. She cared deeply about their growth, both as dancers and as people, always encouraging them to express themselves and push their boundaries. Her classes were filled with joy, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see every student thrive." The post also describes Elinor as a mentor who used her dance knowledge to inspire many other young people. "As a community leader, Elinor, together with her mother Delcy, opened their hearts and their restaurant to local dance crews, providing a safe and welcoming space for young dancers to practice when they had nowhere else to go," wrote Delcy. "This generosity helped build a vibrant, supportive dance community that continues to inspire and uplift others. Elinor's vision was to create opportunities for cultural exchange and travel, allowing young dancers from diverse backgrounds to share in the joy and art of dance." The family hopes to raise funds in Elinor's name and establish a non-profit organization with a mission to provide dance education, master classes, workshops and cultural exchange experiences for Sacramento youth. "Thank you for joining us in honoring Elinor, not just by remembering her, but by actively supporting the next generation of dancers and community builders she cared so much about," said Delcy in her closing comment. Donate to Elinor's page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-elinor-dance-community-fund