Two other students from Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo, California, remain in critical condition
- A Volkswagen SUV carrying six teens veered off the roadway and struck a tree near the shoulder in West Marin, Calif., on April 18, authorities said
- In a letter to the community, the Tamalpais Union High School District confirmed that the six victims attended Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo
- The cause of the crash is under investigation, authorities said
A California community is grieving after four high schoolers were killed in a crash.
The incident occurred in West Marin in the early evening of Friday, April 18, the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Marin Office said in a news release, adding that authorities responded to a report of a solo-vehicle crash on San Geronimo Valley Road.
Upon their arrival, authorities found a Volkswagen SUV that veered off the roadway and struck a tree near the shoulder, CHP said.
Six juveniles between the ages of 14 and 16 occupied the vehicle, and all of them sustained major injuries, the department added.
“Three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene,” the CHP said. “A fourth was pronounced deceased after being transported to a local hospital. The driver and another passenger were hospitalized in critical condition.”
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The cause of the crash is under investigation, added the department, according to authorities.
“On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and classmates of the four young students whose lives were tragically lost in this heartbreaking crash,” CHP Marin Area Commander Capt. Amy Newton said in a press statement.
“No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, and our hearts are with the entire community as they grieve,” Newton continued. “The CHP stands with our community during this time of sorrow and remains dedicated to thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
In a Sunday, April 20, letter to the community, and later shared with PEOPLE, the Tamalpais Union High School District confirmed that the six victims attended Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo,
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of four incredible young lives: 9th grader Olive Koren, and 10th graders Josalynn Osborn, Sienna Katz, and Ada Kepley,” wrote superintendent Tara Taupier. “Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel. Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, and the entire Archie Williams community as we grieve together.”
Taupier also wrote that the survivors of the crash, Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barclay, are in critical condition, adding, “Both are surrounded by the care and support of their families.”
A vigil was held for the crash victims on Saturday at Fairfax Central Field, Fox affiliate KTVU reported. Attendees held candles or laid flowers to honor the six.
A GoFundMe on behalf of the family of Kepley described her as a sophomore at Archie Williams High School who was “known for her witty humor, creativity, and kind heart by her friends and family.”
Janet Upton, Kepley’s aunt, shared a statement with PEOPLE on behalf of the family about their loved one on Monday, April 21.
“Ada was a kind soul and gifted artist with an irreverent sense of humor that made people feel joyful and included. She adored her big brother, Dylan, spending time with close friends, and being with her large and loving family,” read the family’s statement.
“Ada’s absence leaves an unfathomable hole in our lives. We are grateful for our friends and community, and are also grieving the loss of so many beautiful souls whose lives were cut short,” it continued.
“To Ada’s friends, thank you for bringing her joy and for lifting and embracing her unique spirit. Knowing she had you in her life brings us great comfort,” the family said.
“We would like to thank the firefighters, law enforcement officers and all those who participated in the efforts to try to save our Ada and her friends. Your personal sacrifices in the wake of this tragedy continue to hold a place in our hearts,” the statement concluded.
Another GoFundMe for Koren‘s family stated she was a bright light in people’s lives.
“She always had a smile,” read the fundraiser description. “She had a wonderful appetite for food and for life. She was kind, she was beautiful, she was smart and sassy, and a faithful friend. She loved her family, friends and pets. She was also loved by so many around her. Her time was way too short here.”
