Fatal Auto Accident Leaves Three Dead

By Abi Martinez

On September 23, Francisco Cervantez(16) , Brittney Green(18)were killed and Jorge Echeverria (18) was injured when a car jumped a curb and hit them at a crosswalk. The students were just coming out of Chemeketa Community College around 2:25 p.m. The police say according to witnesses, a 1994 Chevrolet Blazer was turning on Lancaster Drive when it left the roadway, went over a curb, hit a utility box and then hit the three students. The Blazer also hit another car. Diego Ramos was driving that other car and said he was terrified of what he had seen and couldn't believe what was happening as the Blazer ran over the students.

"It hit one of the guys straight and dragged the other two people under the truck,” Diego Ramos said, according to news reports. "It dragged them in front of me and hopped over my car."These kids were just getting out of school, trying to get their GED, studying and then this happens to them, it makes me feel bad for them and their families."

The three kids were rushed immediately to the hospital. Brittney Green was transported to the Portland Hospital and later died because of her injuries. Fransisco Cervantez also died because of his injuries. The only one who survived is Jorge Echeverria. He was hospitalized in the Salem Hospital and was in critical condition. They held a memorial for Francisco and Brittney who died and they prayed for Jorge Echeverria to get better.

According to KATU.com Sophia Downing 29-years old, the driver of the blazer was taken to jail after the accident. Later she was charged with first-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault and a DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants). She went to court on Friday.This wasn't her first time in jail! Sophia had been there for nine years before, for getting in a fight that left one person dead. Sophia said that the kids stepped in front of the car, but the police were informed that a bus behind the Blazer is reported to have recorded the entire incident showing Sophia’s car go up on the grass and hit the students. We hope she gets what she deserves and serves her time in jail.

RIP: Francisco Cervantez and Brittney Green.