Four young friends were killed and two others were injured after their car plunged off a California mountain highway and crashed into a power pole, authorities said.
The deadly crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. Friday on Angeles Crest Highway, also known as State Route 2.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the group was traveling east in a black Hyundai Veloster when the driver allowed the car to veer to the right and leave the roadway.
The vehicle overturned, rolled down an embankment and slammed into a power pole.
Five of the six people inside were thrown from the car.
Four of the young passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified three of the victims as 21-year-old Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 19-year-old Jason Potter and 20-year-old Nevaeh Harper.
The fourth victim had not yet been officially named by authorities, but friends and family identified him on social media as Cole Torres.
All of the victims were from Wrightwood, California.
The two surviving passengers were rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Their conditions have not been publicly released.
CHP investigators said none of the occupants appeared to have been wearing seat belts when the crash happened.
Alcohol is also believed to have been a contributing factor, according to the agency.
As the investigation continues, loved ones of the victims are remembering four young lives cut tragically short.
Cabral-Gonzalez was described by family and friends as a “bright light” and a free spirit who loved the outdoors.
She had been an athlete in school and was also passionate about music, participating in several school bands.
She later worked as a ski instructor and was known for showing patience and kindness, especially when working with children who needed extra help.
Cabral-Gonzalez also worked with children with special needs in behavioral health and special education.
Those close to her said helping others seemed to come naturally.
“She gave because she cared,” a fundraiser for her family said. “She helped because someone needed help.”
She also shared what loved ones described as an extraordinary bond with her twin sister, Victoria.
Potter was remembered as an incredibly talented snowboarder with an infectious personality.
Friends said he brought energy into every room and formed deep connections with the people around him.
“Jason touched more lives than he probably ever realized,” his fundraiser said.
Harper was also remembered for her lively spirit and the impact she had on friends and family.
“She will be missed immensely,” her fundraiser said. “So many of us would trade anything to feel her love again.”
A fundraiser organized for Torres said he died alongside “three of his best friends.”
The tribute said his mother, Jillian LeAnn Torres, was still in shock following the tragedy.
Torres had recently learned at a gender reveal that he was going to become an uncle to a baby girl, making the timing of his death even more painful for his family.
A local Instagram account focused on snowboarding and outdoor sports also paid tribute to Torres and Potter, calling them “the best kids on the planet from the best families.”
The account organized a candlelight vigil for the two friends, who often snowboarded together.
Thousands of dollars have now been raised to help the victims’ families with funeral expenses and other costs.
As of Monday morning, fundraisers for Cabral-Gonzalez and Harper had each raised just over $9,000, while Potter’s fundraiser had collected about $13,400 and Torres’s had reached roughly $18,700.
