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Published on January 18, 2025
Hollister High School Mourns Loss of Three Students in Fatal Car Accident Near GilroySource: Google Street View

The tragic loss of three Hollister High School students in a car accident has been reported near Gilroy. The collision took place on Tuesday just before 7 p.m., as shared by the California Highway Patrol.

According to NBC Bay Area, the teenagers involved in the fatal incident have been identified as Anzhel Villegas-Lemus and Victor Lujan, both 17, along with 18-year-old Brandon Alarcon. Reports indicate that the car the students were in veered into the oncoming traffic on Shore Road west of Lake Road and collided with an eastbound vehicle.

Following the crash, a fourth passenger from the victims' car and the driver of the second vehicle were flown to a hospital, dealing with serious injuries, their current condition remains critical. Hollister High School and the San Benito High School District offered a statement to the community, as cited by NBC Bay Area, which detailed their profound loss and confirmed that counselors would be on hand to support students.

Meanwhile, a growing roadside memorial pays tribute to the young lives lost. "It's just devastating man, you know I think about the families the loved ones that are left behind," said Philip Nunez, a local mentor, who did not know the teens personally but took the time to honor them, as mentioned in ABC7 News. Esther Lujan, the grandmother of Victor, expressed her heartbreak at the scene of the crash, acknowledging the forthcoming birthday her grandson will never celebrate.