The final victim in a devastating car crash in Wrightwood, California, has been identified as 19-year-old Cole Torres. Torres died on September 4 alongside his friends Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, Jason Potter, 19, and Nevaeh Harper, 20.
Six individuals were traveling in a 2016 Hyundai Veloster when the vehicle veered off Highway 2 and collided with a utility pole around 1:30 a.m. Two passengers were hospitalized, while the other four were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials stated that none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts and that alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident. Five of the six occupants were ejected from the vehicle.
Torres, who was soon to become an uncle, had just learned of the upcoming birth of his niece at a gender reveal party prior to the crash. Fundraisers have been established to support the families of the victims, with one noting the profound grief experienced by Torres' mother.
Friends and family remembered the victims: Potter, an "incredibly talented snowboarder" known for his energy; Harper, a "beautiful daughter"; and Cabral-Gonzalez, a "bright light, a free spirit with an incredible zest for life, a kind heart, and a genuine love for the outdoors."
All of the victims were residents of Wrightwood, a small mountain community in San Bernardino County. The California Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash.