Gilroy, CA – Three students from Hollister High School tragically lost their lives on Tuesday night in Gilroy when the driver of their vehicle lost control and collided with another car, according to authorities.
A statement from the San Benito High School District, released on Wednesday, confirmed the deaths of the three students in the car accident. Additionally, a former student involved in the incident is currently in critical condition.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased individuals as 17-year-old Anzhel Villegas-Lemus, 18-year-old Brandon Alarcon, and 17-year-old Victor Lujan. Just prior to 7 p.m., a driver headed west on Shore Road, near Lake Road, reportedly lost control of their vehicle, which then veered into oncoming traffic and struck an eastbound vehicle, as stated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
In the collision, the driver and two rear passengers, including the 17-year-old, were fatally injured. A fourth occupant was airlifted to a hospital, along with the driver and passenger from the other vehicle involved, as reported by the CHP.
The cause and circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation.