The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said one high school student was killed and three others were seriously injured in Dana Point when a vehicle carrying a group of students hit a tree.
A total of six students from Dana Hills High School were traveling on white trucks when a single vehicle crash occurred at 11:45am Tuesday. The collision occurred less than two miles from the campus near the intersection of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Deputies confirmed that driver Rebecca Cespedes, 16, of Dana Point, was declared dead at the scene. Three students, two men and one woman, were in crisis, but were expected to survive, with the other two suffering minor injuries. Public relations officer Gerald McCann said it could take some time for investigators to determine the cause of the crash.
The school wrote to its parents on Wednesday morning, expressing deep sadness over the lost life.
“We know that this tragedy has impacted all the school’s families and that there are multiple counselling institutions and therapy dogs on campus that provide support to students or staff who are in need,” said Dana Hills Principal Brittany Casey. “If students benefit from talking to a counselor, don’t hesitate to reach out to our site directly.”
Crush comes a few days before school prom on Saturday.
Some parents shared the meaning of sadness on social media. One online user wrote in the Dana Point Facebook group that her daughter, a junior at Aliso Niguel High School, is rattling.
“I hope something positive comes from this horrifying tragedy. Our young drivers may find that they are not invincible,” the user writes.
School officials did not say why students were issued early in the crash.
“Dunna Hills High School is a powerful community that brings together for each other and the families of affected dolphins. We appreciate your support and compassion during this extremely difficult time,” Casey said.
Anyone with details or witnessing a traffic collision can call (949) 425-1860 to assist the investigator. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCC.
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