Dana Hills high school student killed, injured 5 people in Dana Point car accident
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said a high school student was killed and three other students were injured in Dana Point when a car carrying a group of students hit a tree.
A total of six students from Dana Hills High School were traveling in a white truck when the bicycle crash occurred at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. The collision occurred less than two miles From campus Near the intersection of Island Way and Dana Point Harbour Drive.
Deputies confirmed that 16-year-old Rebecca Cespedes of Dana Point was pronounced dead at the scene. Three students, two males and one female, were in critical condition but were expected to survive, with two other students suffering minor injuries. Public Information Officer Gerard McCann said it could take some time for investigators to determine the cause of the crash.
The school sent a letter to parents Wednesday morning, deeply saddened by the life that had been killed.
“We know this tragedy will affect our entire school family and have multiple consulting agencies and treatment dogs on campus to support any student or staff in need,” Dana Hills said in the letter. “If your student will benefit from talking to a counselor, feel free to contact our website directly.”
The crash happened a few days before the school’s Saturday dance.
Some parents expressed their condolences on social media. An online user wrote on the Dana Point Facebook group that his daughter is a junior at Aliso Niguel High School.
“I pray that this terrible tragedy brings positive things – our young drivers may realize they are not invincible,” the user wrote.
School officials did not disclose why students were abandoned earlier on the day of the crash.
“Dana Hills High School is a strong community that will be with each other and the affected dolphin families. We thank everyone for their support and compassion during this very difficult time,” said Casey.
Anyone with detailed information or who witnesses a traffic collision can call (949) 425-1860 to help investigators. Anonymous information can be provided through Orange County crime blockers through 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
