High school student killed, 5 others hospitalized after pickup truck crash in Dana Point

DANA POINT, Calif. (KABC) -- A high school student was killed and five others were injured when a pickup truck crashed late Tuesday morning in Dana Point, a school official confirmed Wednesday.

"It is with profound sadness that I share there was an automobile accident involving six Dana Hills students yesterday," Dana Hills High School Principal Brittany Casey said in a statement. "I am deeply saddened to report that one of our students died as a result of the crash and our other five were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries."

The teen driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was identified as 16-year-old Rebecca Cespedes of Dana Point. No pedestrians were injured.

"Hearing about the incident, it was pretty sad. A lot of people were taken back. It's pretty surprising actually to hear students are driving pretty dangerously around the Dana Harbor," said Jackson Linhart, a senior at Dana Hills High.

The single-vehicle collision occurred shortly before noon Tuesday near the intersection of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The crash site is less than two miles south of the Dana Hills High campus.

Two of the truck's passengers were hospitalized in critical condition, a sheriff's spokesperson said. Two other teens in the truck suffered minor injuries and are expected to be OK.

"They're not doing too good right now in the hospital. A couple of them have just been keeping people updated on social media, on their stories and stuff. Hopefully it goes up from here," Linhart said.

Video from the scene showed the damaged white pickup on a grassy area near the street's right shoulder.

"We are aware this tragedy will affect our entire school family and have multiple counseling agencies and therapy dogs on-campus providing support for any student or staff member in need," Casey's statement to the school's families said. "If your student would benefit from speaking with a counselor, please do not hesitate to reach out to our site directly."

"Dana Hills High School is a strong community who will come together for each other and the affected Dolphin families," the principal added.

A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles continued to grow at the crash site on Wednesday morning.

"My son died in the same situation about five years ago, and all I know is parents aren't supposed to be burying their kids," said Doug Mudge, an area resident.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

"I know especially if that seatbelt sign isn't going off, then the kids won't put on their seatbelts like in the backseat. People just pile into cars after lunch and just go ride around in the cars," Linhart said.

"My advice is, there's more to life than the moment you're in, and if you think ahead a little bit you'll probably make wiser decisions," Mudge said.

Dana Hills High students say instead of being excited for prom this weekend, they are mourning the loss of their fellow classmate and friend. Capistrano Unified School District has counselors and therapy dogs on campus.