2 Teens Dead, 3 in Critical Condition After Deadly Car Crash, Community Is ‘Deeply Heartbroken’

Two teens have died and three others are in critical condition after being involved in a deadly car crash on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) said that the crash occurred on SR-165 in Cache County, Utah, just after 7 p.m. local time, according to KUTV, Fox 13 and KSL-TV. A Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Sienna collided when the driver of the Corolla lost control and crossed all lanes to the left into oncoming traffic. The Corolla then struck the Sienna and rolled over, ejecting three of the occupants from the car. The occupants in the Sienna sustained minor injuries.

The occupants of the Corolla were: Laulea (CJ) Fiefia, Xylie Hutchinson, Braxton Miller, Kaycin Nielsen, and Thalia Linares, the outlets reported.

Fiefia, 17, died from his injuries at the scene, and Hutchinson, 14, was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The remaining three occupants were still in critical condition as of Monday, nov. 24, according to Fox 13.

Utah Highway Patrol trooper Justin Zilles said, “We believe that speed is a factor,” and that none of the five teenagers were wearing seatbelts, according to KUTV.

PEOPLE reached out to the Utah Department of Public Safety for comment.

Each child has a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise money for their families’ unexpected bills.

Fiefia is remembered as “a hardworking and ambitious 17-year-old who always put his family first.” He “balanced school, work, and sports to help provide for his family.” 

The page alleged he was pinned down by the vehicle.

According to Hutchinson’s GoFundMe page, she was ejected from the car and suffered major head trauma, as well as several breaks and fractures in each of her limbs. She died of a brain hemorrhage due to the lack of blood flow and brain activity.

“Xylie was an incredible force on the ice with her hockey teams. She was a fierce defender of her teammates and an amazing friend off the ice,” the GoFundMe page created for her funeral expenses read. “She will be missed beyond words.”

The surviving teens are all still in the hospital’s care. Miller, a junior at Mountain Crest High School, is stable but remains in critical condition. He was ejected from the car and suffered serious injuries, “including a broken cheekbone, three broken ribs on his back, five broken ribs on the front, and he had to undergo emergency surgery on his spleen,” the GoFundMe page for his medical expenses read.

“The road to recovery will be long, but I know Braxton’s strength and determination will help him pull through,” the GoFundMe page continued. “He’s always been there for his friends and community, and now it’s our turn to be there for him.

Nielsen is also stable but remains in critical condition. He received surgery on his crushed pelvis. “He has been responsive as his meds have worn off, but he has a long road ahead of him,” the GoFundMe page dedicated to his medical expenses read.

Thalia underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding, a collapsed lung and multiple pelvic injuries. She then received a second surgery for her spinal injuries; her sister, Alexandra Linares, posted on Facebook. She had a third surgery, a pelvic surgery, on Monday, Nov. 24. She also sustained a jaw fracture and additional fractures.

“Thalia is such a fighter, and we love her so much,” Alexandra wrote of her sister. “Anyone who knows her knows how she spreads kindness everywhere she goes. She is the bubbly, sweet girl everyone loves. She has a long recovery ahead, but with all of our’s and everyone’s support, we hope to help carry her through it.” A GoFundMe page was created for Thalia’s medical bills. 

The five teenagers are all either currently enrolled in or previously attended schools in the Cache County School District. The school district issued a statement and said counseling services have been provided for students and staff, according to Fox 13.

“We are deeply heartbroken by this tragic accident, and our entire community is in mourning. Our full attention is dedicated to supporting our students and families,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and all who knew and cared for them during this unimaginably difficult time.”