Three young people, including a 19-year-old UCLA student and an 18-year-old UC Santa Cruz freshman, were killed in a head-on crash in Monterey County, California, that also left three others seriously injured.
The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on Abbott Street, between U.S. 101 and Harris Road, just outside Salinas.
The Monterey County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 19-year-old Abigail “Abby” Tinoco of Downey, 18-year-old Sebastian Burgos of Downey and 18-year-old Noah Trevino of Soledad.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a black Nissan Altima was traveling south on Abbott Street while a white Honda CR-V was traveling north.
Investigators said the Honda crossed into the southbound lane for reasons that have not yet been determined, resulting in a head-on collision.
There were three people in each vehicle.
The 21-year-old woman driving the Honda survived but suffered major injuries.
The 20-year-old driver of the Nissan and a 20-year-old passenger in that vehicle were also seriously injured and taken to Natividad Medical Center.
CHP said neither driver was believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Investigators have not yet determined whether speed or another factor contributed to the collision.
Emergency crews mounted a large response to the scene.
Six ambulances and multiple CHP vehicles were seen responding, and the nearby trauma center was alerted to expect multiple patients.
Tinoco was a second-year student at UCLA who had plans to pursue a career in law.
Her family said she had graduated from Downey High School as salutatorian and had participated in track and cross country.
Her sister described her as determined, funny and a major source of strength for their family.
According to a fundraiser created by the family, relatives first received an automated collision alert from Tinoco’s phone at 9:08 p.m. and later learned that she had died at the scene.
Her family is raising money to help cover memorial expenses and give relatives time to grieve.
Burgos had only recently begun his first quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he was majoring in biology.
His family said he dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and loved drawing, running and anime.
His sister described him as creative, gentle and full of life, while UC Santa Cruz released a statement expressing sympathy to his family and friends.
His family has also started a fundraiser to help bring him home to Downey and cover funeral expenses.
Noah Trevino, 18, was also killed in the crash.
His family has launched a fundraiser to help with funeral costs and to support his brother Nathan, who was seriously injured and remains in recovery.
Loved ones said they want Noah’s parents to be able to focus on Nathan’s recovery while also mourning the sudden loss of their son.
All three victims were 19 or younger, and each family has received an outpouring of support since the crash.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate what caused the Honda to cross into oncoming traffic.
No arrests or citations have been announced, and authorities have not released any indication that criminal charges are currently expected.