A 19-year-old soon-to-be uncle was identified as the fourth and final victim killed in a horrifying car crash in Wrightwood last week.
Cole Torres died alongside friends Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21, Jason Potter, 19, and Nevaeh Harper, 20, in the tragic Sept. 4 wreck.
Six people were traveling in a 2016 Hyundai Veloster when the vehicle veered off Highway 2 and slammed into a utility pole around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 4, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Two other victims were hospitalized. Officials said none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts and that alcohol was a “contributing factor” in the crash. Five of the six passengers were ejected from the vehicle.
A friend of Torres’ mother, Jillian LeAnn Torres, launched a GoFundMe saying “the pain is still so fresh.”
“Right now, Jillian is in a state of shock and trying to process something no parent should ever have to face,” the fundraiser said.
Cole had just found out he was going to be an uncle when the crash occurred.
“Her son had just learned at a gender reveal that he was going to be an uncle to a baby girl, which makes this loss feel even more devastating for everyone who loved him,” the fundraiser added.
Loved ones also started fundraisers for Potter, Harper, and Cabral-Gonzalez.
Potter was remembered as an “incredibly talented snowboarder” who brought energy and joy wherever he went.
“His infectious energy, his passion, and the way he connected with people made him someone who was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and so many in our community,” the fundraiser read.
Harper was described as a “beautiful daughter” whose death had shaken hundreds of people who knew and loved her.
Cabral-Gonzalez was remembered as “bright light, a free spirit with an incredible zest for life, a kind heart, and a genuine love for the outdoors.”
All of the victims were from Wrightwood, a small mountain community in San Bernardino County.
A CHP investigation remains ongoing.
