FORESTHILL, Calif. — The close-knit community of Foresthill is in mourning after a crash that left a 16-year-old dead and left several other teens injured.
It happened Tuesday morning shortly after 1 a.m. Tire marks and broken glass were still on the road near the crash scene on Foresthill Road near Mayflower Road. But what stands out the most is the sadness of a community who lost a high school student while his four other passengers recover in the hospital.
“It’s heartbreaking, especially when it’s kids here so close to everybody,” said mother of two, Suzanne Webb.
The California Highway Patrol says the 16-year-old driver lost control on a curve in the road and hit a tree. He died and his four other passengers – ranging in age from 16-17 – have major injuries.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but CHP says alcohol may have been a factor.
Webb says the tragedy made her think about her 14-year-old daughter who is about to enter high school.
“I’d be devastated … I would rather her call me and be upset,” said Webb. “Saying I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I’d rather them call me than be heartbroken over losing them.”
Residents say the teens involved were students at Foresthill High School.
The district sent the following statement:
"Foresthill High School, along with the entire Placer Union High School District, is mourning the loss of a student as the result of a motor vehicle accident that occurred in the early morning hours of March 26, 2024. Three other Foresthill High School students were injured in the accident and are receiving medical attention. Such tragedies, especially when they involve young people, are very difficult to process. Community Resources have been provided to our students and staff and following Spring Break, additional counselors, mental health specialists, and chaplains will be on-site to offer support for as long as needed.
Please join us in keeping the Foresthill students, staff, and community in your thoughts during these difficult times."
Webb says she wants the families of the teens involved to know everyone in Foresthill cares and supports them.
"Hopefully this is a life lesson learned and all the kids pull through and they're okay,” said Webb. “Everybody's thinking of them, that is here in the community, because there were a lot of comments and prayers out there."
ABC10 spoke with the grandfather of one of the teens in the hospital. He said she is going through surgery.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office declined to identify the 16-year-old driver because he’s a minor.
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