State Police say four high school students died and four other were injured when a vehicle crashed on the Garden State Parkway near Egg Harbor in New Jersey.
The accident happened shortly before 12 p.m. when a SUV overturned on the soutbound Parkway near the exit 38A ramp. Police say the eight students were members of the football team at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood. The students were on their way back from football practice, according to authorities.
Police said the driver, 17-year-old Casey Brenner of Northfield, apparently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the roadway median. Brenner died in the impact. Edgar Bozzi, 16, of Somers Point, and Dean Khourty, 15, of Linwood, were both killed after they were thrown from the vehicle. Nicholas Conner, 16, of Northfield, also lost his life in the crash.
The remaining four passengers were taken to local area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Jacob Smith, 17, of Linwood, Kyle Beattie, 16, of Northfield, Alex Denafo, 16 of Northfield, and Kenneth Randall, 15, of Linwood, were all inside the SUV but survived the crash.
Students gathered at the high school Saturday night to remember the victims.
"We all know these kids so well and they are all so special and for them to just be gone and know that you are never going to see them ever again, it's just really scary," said Emily D'Allessio.
A vigil is planned at the school Sunday at 5 p.m.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
