Five teens were killed and one was left in critical critical condition after a speeding car slammed into a traffic pole in a suspected DUI crash over the weekend in Santa Barbara County.
The wreck sent a deafening boom through the quiet town Santa Maria early Sunday morning. While police said the cause of the deadly collision still remains unknown, evidence located at the scene suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor, Noozhawk reported.
“There are no words to fully express the heartbreak our family is experiencing,” said Juana Galvez, mother of 17-year-old Yusbeli ‘Ava’ Diaz, a student at Pioneer Valley High School who was killed in the crash.
In a message posted to Facebook, Galvez said Ava was taken to the hospital, where she fought to stay alive for about an hour before succumbing to her injuries.
Galvez described her daughter as a loving, kind-hearted teen who brought joy to everyone around her.
“She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her,” the mother said..
Another teen killed in the wreck was identified in an online fundraiser as Isabella “Bella” Vigil, who was just 16.
“It is with shattered hearts that we share the tragic and unexpected loss of our beloved Bella, who passed away at just 16 years old following a horrific car accident,” wrote relative Angela Vigil in the fundraiser for the teen published Sunday.
Santa Maria school district spokesperson Kenny Klein confirmed that Ava was a student at Pioneer Valley High School, while another attended Santa Maria High School. A third student from the district was a former Pioneer Valley student who was enrolled in a continuation program, he said
Klein said none of the students killed were set to participate in high school graduation ceremonies that are be held in the district this week. Counseling services will remain available throughout the week, he added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and school communities,” Klein said.
A fourth student who died in the crash attended Maple Continuation High School in the Lompoc Unified School District, school officials said.
Mourners gathered at a makeshift shrine at the site of the collision at the intersection of South Broadway and Miller Street.
Flowers, balloons, candles, and pictures formed a tribute to the dead teens arranged along a fence near the scene of the tragic accident. More photos and flowers were added to the shrine each day, according to KEYT.
A spokesman for the Santa Maria Police said officers are still investigating the deadly crash.
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