WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. — Authorities have identified the fourth person killed in a rollover crash near Wrightwood that left four young people dead and two others critically injured early Sept. 4.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 19-year-old Cole Torres. Torres died from blunt trauma, according to information released by the medical examiner.
The other three people killed in the crash were previously identified as Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, Jason Potter, 19, and Nevaeh Harper, 20. All four victims were from Wrightwood.
The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. along State Route 2 between Big Pines and Wrightwood, near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line. A black 2016 Hyundai Veloster carrying six people was traveling east when it left the roadway, overturned down an embankment and struck a power pole.
Five of the six occupants were ejected during the crash. Four suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two occupants were taken by air ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Their current medical conditions have not been publicly released.
California Highway Patrol investigators said preliminary findings indicate that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts. Investigators also believe alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
The vehicle was designed to carry fewer occupants than the six people inside at the time of the crash. Authorities have not publicly explained where each passenger was positioned inside the vehicle.
The crash occurred along the eastern edge of the Angeles National Forest, in a mountainous stretch of Highway 2 between Wrightwood and Big Pines. Emergency crews faced difficult terrain while reaching those involved.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of support for the victims’ families and friends. Fundraising campaigns have also been established to help the families following the loss.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No final determination on the cause has been announced.
