Three teenagers from Orange County were killed early Thursday when a Ford Edge crashed off the southbound 5 Freeway in Anaheim, according to authorities.
The victims were identified as 17-year-old Victor Hugo Delgado of Santa Ana, 16-year-old Robert Miguel Gutierrez-Avalos of Santa Ana, and 15-year-old Levi Jacob Flores of Garden Grove. The crash happened shortly after 3:15 a.m. near the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the SUV was traveling south when it left the freeway south of Euclid Street. Investigators are looking into what caused the driver to lose control. A CHP incident log indicates the vehicle may have missed the Lincoln Avenue exit before making a late attempt to take it.
The Ford Edge struck a guardrail and a concrete pillar before going down a sloped embankment and overturning. Two of the occupants were ejected during the crash.
Four people were inside the SUV. Two teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to a hospital. One of those hospitalized later died, leaving one surviving occupant with serious injuries.
Investigators said it appeared that none of the occupants was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Speed is also being considered as a possible factor. Authorities have not ruled out drugs or alcohol as part of the investigation.
The crash caused significant traffic disruption Thursday morning. The Lincoln Avenue off-ramp and four southbound freeway lanes were temporarily closed while emergency crews worked at the scene. Two lanes reopened around 5 a.m., and the remaining lanes were open by about 8 a.m.
The deaths have since brought friends and family members to the crash site to remember the teenagers.
Friends described Flores as someone who enjoyed riding mini-bikes and spending time with friends. Delgado’s family remembered the 17-year-old as caring and ambitious. His family said he had been helping care for his mother following brain surgery and had planned to attend mechanical school.
Skid marks remained visible near the crash area the following day, alongside a memorial for the victims.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly identified the driver or said where the group was traveling before the crash.
