SANTA MARIA, CA — A crash that killed five teenagers and left one adult critically injured has shaken Santa Maria and pushed local leaders to confront youth drinking and driving. Police say the cause is still under investigation, but evidence from the scene suggests alcohol may have been involved.
The wreck happened early Sunday when the car hit a traffic-signal pole near Broadway and Miller Street, days before the community was set to celebrate high school graduation.
Police say alcohol may have played a role, but no DUI case has been confirmed
The Santa Maria Police Department has not identified the driver, announced any arrests or said whether the crash will be formally charged as a DUI incident.
Detectives are still collecting evidence and reviewing the circumstances. The only survivor, Aurelio Calixtro Matias, 24, remained hospitalized Thursday in critical condition, police said.
Victims included students and recent graduates from local high schools
Police identified the five people who died as Isabella Star Vigil, 16; Beatrice Gamez Escalante, 16; Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, 17; Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, 17; and Jennifer Gutierrez, 19.
A school district spokesperson said four of those involved were current or former students in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. The district said one attended Pioneer Valley High School, one attended Santa Maria High School, one attended Delta High School and one was a Delta alumnus.
Community leaders and nonprofits are pressing for prevention efforts
Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, a nonprofit focused on drug and alcohol harms among youth and families, held an emergency meeting Wednesday with elected leaders, school officials and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department members.
The group is also promoting parent conversations about impaired driving and backing a local ban on brightly colored, sugary alcoholic drinks such as Four Loko, which it says can lead to rapid intoxication.
Memorial grows at the crash site as families remember the teens
A memorial has taken shape at the intersection where the collision occurred, with flowers, candles, stuffed animals, photos and liquor bottles left by mourners. Local resident Reyna Vaca said she had been with one of the victims at a graduation party just hours before the wreck.
GoFundMe pages have been created for each victim. Police said anyone with information should contact the department’s traffic unit as the investigation continues.
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