Four people died and two were critically injured when a vehicle veered off Highway 2 near Wrightwood and collided with a utility pole early Friday. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department identified two of the deceased as 19-year-old Jason Potter and 20-year-old Nevaeh Harper.
Crash Details
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a 2016 Hyundai Veloster carrying six occupants lost control on the mountain road. According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle veered off Highway 2 and struck a utility pole, ejecting five of the six passengers. Authorities stated that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts, and preliminary investigations suggest alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
Two survivors were transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and remain in critical condition. All six individuals involved in the crash were residents of Wrightwood.
Community Mourns Losses
Friends and family have begun mourning the victims, remembering Potter as an "incredibly talented snowboarder" whose energy and passion touched many lives. A GoFundMe page established for his family described his loss as an "unimaginable" blow. Harper was remembered by loved ones as a "beautiful daughter" whose liveliness and impact had shaken many in the community. A fundraiser for her family aims to help with funeral costs and other expenses.
Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, was identified as a third victim. The identity of the fourth passenger has not yet been released.
Tributes posted online described Cabral-Gonzalez as a "kind and generous soul" and an "incredible voice for the unvoiced."
Residents of Wrightwood, a small mountain community, expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, with one local telling KTLA that the victims were "kids from town" who were out enjoying a night drive.
The California Highway Patrol's investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing.