(L-R) Jesus Rodriguez, Ricky Barcenas, Kevin Hernandez-Teran and Richard De-Ita.Photo: Gofundme
Four high schoolers died and another was hospitalized after they were involved in a deadly car crash in Illinois this week.
TheWheeling Police Department(WPD) said Tuesday’s three-car collision occurred just after 10:15 p.m. local time at the intersection of Dundee and Schoenbeck Roads.
“Speed and a disregarded traffic signal seem to be the primary factors involved at this time,” police said. An investigation is ongoing.
Seven people were hospitalized after they were extracted from their respective vehicles, according to Wednesday’s statement from the WPD. “Regretfully, four teens, between the ages [of] 16 and 18 who were occupants of the primary vehicle have lost their lives,” police wrote.
The Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Kevin Hernandez-Teran.Gofundme
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On Wednesday, High School District 214 in Cook County confirmed with the “deepest sorrow” that the four teens who died were students at Buffalo Grove High School. Additionally, another student was hospitalized, they shared.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these students during this time of tragedy,” the district said in a statement on Wednesday. “We also offer condolences to all Buffalo Grove students, families and staff members.”
Ricky Barcenas, Jesus Rodriguez and Kevin Hernandez-Teran.Ricky Barcenas/instagram
Barcenas' mother, Brenda Lorenzo, said the group of teens had gone out to eat together shortly before Tuesday’s crash, according to theHerald.
“He was just there as if he were sleeping,” she said.
Richard De Ita.Richard Deita/instagram
Separate fundraisers have been set up forRodriguez,Barcenas,De ItaandHernandez-Teranto help pay for funeral expenses.
“My brother, he is so sweet,” she told the outlet. “He loved my mom a lot.”
Jesus Rodriguez.Gofundme
On a separateGoFundMe page, Barcenas' mother said her “wonderful son” was willing to help “everyone” and “was a very hard worker” in life.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better child,” she wrote in a message shared on the fundraising campaign. “He meant so much to me and everyone else in his life.”
Ricky Barcenas.Gofundme
Loved ones for Hernandez-Teran and De Ita also shared fond thoughts and memories of the late teens.
In another message, Brenda De Ita said her son “was one of thesweetest, most loving and hard working young boys.” He was one week away from graduating, she added.
“He loved enjoying life and bringing a smile to others, but most importantly he loved his family,” the mom wrote.
source: people.com
