On Friday, April 18, an SUV occupied by six high schoolers, all 14 to 16 years old, violently crashed into a tree in San Geronimo, California. All of them suffered major injuries, with three of them being pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth later died after being transferred to a local hospital. The remaining two, one of them the driver, are in critical condition.
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According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP)
press release, the crash occurred on Friday, April 18, at around 7:30 p.m. on San Geronimo Valley Road. Upon arrival, first responders found a Volkswagen SUV that had veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree near the shoulder.Emergency crews found that the vehicle was occupied by six high schoolers. As previously stated, three of them were declared dead, with a fourth one succumbing to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The driver and another passenger sustained major injuries and were transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Victims Identified
The Tamalpais Union High School District identified all six victims as Archie Williams High School, located in San Anselmo. Olive Koren, a 9th grader, and Josalynn Osborn, Sienna Katz, and Ada Kepley, all 10th graders, died as a result of the crash. The survivors were identified as Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barcley.
"Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel," the school district wrote in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, and the entire Archie Williams community as we grieve together."
CHP Marin Area Commander Captain Amy Newton offered the CHP's condolences to the victims' families and loved ones.
"No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss," Newton said. "Our hearts are with the entire community as they grieve,". "The CHP stands with our community during this time of sorrow and remains dedicated to thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to this tragedy."
Ada Kepley's aunt, Kanet Upton, shared a statement with PEOPLE, speaking lovingly about the 10th grader.
"Ada was a kind soul and gifted artist with an irreverent sense of humor that made people feel joyful and included," Upton said.
A GoFundMe was set up to cover Ada's funeral and memorial costs. Similarly, another GoFundMe was set up to help Olive Koren's family during this difficult time.
"She was kind, she was beautiful, she was smart and sassy, and a faithful friend," Olive's GoFundMe reads.
Families of Sienna Katz and Josalynn Osborn also set up GoFundMe fundraisers. Sienna was described as a "vibrant, smart, and caring fifteen-year-old." Josallyn was called "full of light" by her GoFundMe.
As per KTVU, a moving vigil was held for the crash victims on Saturday, April 19.
