A tragic car collision in Cherokee County, Georgia, on Tuesday evening, January 9, 2024, resulted in the death of two teenagers, with three more sustaining injuries.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident happened close to Towne Lake Hills East on Towne Lake Parkway around 8:17 pm.
Among the five teenagers in a Mazda 6 were the victims, 18-year-old Esteban Cortez-Rendon of Woodstock and 17-year-old Gabriel Escandon of Marietta.
The vehicle reportedly veered off the roadway and struck a tree in the center median. Escandon was pronounced dead at the scene, while Cortez-Rendon died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Notably, Cortez-Rendon had just celebrated his 18th birthday on the day of the crash.
The accident led to severe, yet not life-threatening, injuries for a 17-year-old passenger from Marietta. Additionally, the 17-year-old driver from Smyrna and an 18-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, incurred injuries that were serious but not fatal. Authorities suspect that high speed played a role in the incident.
In the aftermath of the crash, a significant police presence was noted at the scene, particularly near Etowah High School.
It was confirmed that one of the deceased victims was a former student at Etowah High School who last attended the school in 2022.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office’s Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing the investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
In response to the tragedy, Etowah High School has offered its crisis team and counselors to assist students in coping with the loss.
Principal Robert Horn of Etowah High School addressed the community, emphasizing the availability of support for those affected.
The families of Gabriel Escandon and Esteban Cortez-Rendon are in the process of making funeral arrangements, which will be released in due time.