Three high schoolers killed in crash during lunch break, Oklahoma officials say

Three high schoolers were killed and two were hospitalized following a single-vehicle crash on Thursday, Sept. 15, Oklahoma officials say.

The Sand Springs Pubic Schools district announced the deaths and injuries of the Charles Page High School students late Thursday.

“Words cannot express the profound grief and heartbreak felt in our district,” it said. “Our deepest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of those involved.”

The crash during the school’s lunch break instantly killed the three students in the backseat of the car, according to KOTV.

“It appears speed was a factor in this collision,” Sand Springs Police Capt. Jody Fogelman told KRMG. “And the car left the roadway, it appears it was up on two tires on its side, collided with the tree at that time and that’s what crushed the roof of the vehicle, spun the vehicle around, and it landed wheels down at its resting point where it is now.”

The driver and front-seat passenger were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive, according to KRMG.

Seat belts are not believed to have been worn by the victims, KTUL reported.

“It’s like so hard to believe. I want to think that they’re all still here and everything’s fine but I know it’s not because I know it’s true,” Camrin Palacios, who was friends with all five victims, told KOTV.

Police have not identified the victims, but some family members have shared condolences for their loved ones on social media.

One of the fatal victims was Ethan Ray Gibson, who was four months away from turning 18 years old, family said.

“He loved his family very much and was always at grandma’s house helping her,” according to a fundraiser. “He loved hanging out with his friends.”

Facebook user Jim Weaver also said his 16-year-old granddaughter, Kylee, was killed in the crash.

“Thank you to those in the Sand Springs community and surrounding areas who have offered their support and comfort,” Charles Page High School said in a Facebook post. “We will continue to keep these students and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”

Sand Springs is about eight miles west of Tulsa.

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