On Friday, the victims' husband and father spoke publicly for the first time.

Crash victims Michelle Marie Maxwell, left, and Michaela Maxwell are seen in these photos provided by their family.

Jerry Maxwell said he was at home when the crash happened. The truck of the alleged drunk driver, a 30-year-old Kern County firefighter named Mitchell Green, crashed into a power pole after broadsiding the Maxwell's car.

Lights across the area went out, including at the Maxwell's home. Jerry Maxwell said he walked outside to investigate.

"I walked out front, and off in the distance I could see the arching and sparking of power lines," he said.

Maxwell tried to call both is wife and daughter to tell them to avoid the area, but they didn't answer. After numerous failed calls, he said he began to worry, so he decided to go out looking for the two.

Michelle and Michaela Maxwell were on their way to New Life Center to sign a quilt for a friend who died of cancer. Jerry Maxwell said he went to the church parking lot, but didn't see their car.

Maxwell went back to the crash scene and asked an officer about his wife's car. The police couldn't tell him anything, he said.

He received a call a few moments later from an emergency room nurse at Kern Medical Center, telling him Michaela had been in an accident. The father rushed to the emergency room.

Maxwell tried to find out information about his wife, and, about an hour later, he recalled telling an officer, "Just tell me the truth. Did my wife die at the scene?"

The answer was, "Yes," he said.

The family consoled one another, and they have been staying strong through their faith, Maxwell said.

The grieving husband and father had a message Friday for Green, the suspected drunk driver who is hospitalized in critical condition.

"I understand that there's a possibility his family may have to deal with the loss of a loved one because of the injuries he sustained in the accident," Maxwell said. "If Mr. Green does recover, our justice system will deal with him appropriately. If he does not, then he will answer to God's justice."

A public memorial for Michelle Maxwell will be held at noon Feb. 12 at the family's church, Grace Assembly of God, 2800 Larson Lane.