Two young victims of a devastating Wrightwood crash that left four people dead early Friday are being mourned by family and friends, who described them as a gifted snowboarder and a bright, energetic young woman whose futures were taken far too soon.
Authorities identified 19-year-old Jason Potter and 20-year-old Nevaeh Harper as two of the four people killed in the collision.
They were killed along with 21-year-old Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez and a fourth passenger whose name had not yet been publicly released.
According to the California Highway Patrol, six people were inside a 2016 Hyundai Veloster when it went off Highway 2 and struck a utility pole at about 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 4.
The impact was so severe that five of the six occupants were thrown from the vehicle.
Investigators said in a preliminary report that none of the passengers appeared to be wearing seat belts. CHP officials also said alcohol is suspected of being a contributing factor in the deadly wreck.
The two people who survived were taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where they remained in critical condition.
All six people involved were from Wrightwood, the close-knit San Bernardino County mountain community now shaken by the tragedy.
One local resident described the victims to KTLA as “kids from town” who spent time hanging out at the local skate park.
“They just wanted to cruise up the highway, go look at the stars,” resident Johnny Stull told the outlet. “And they’re dead now.”
Friends and family have since launched fundraisers for Potter and Harper, offering heartbreaking glimpses into the young lives lost.
Potter was remembered as an “incredibly talented snowboarder” who brought energy and joy wherever he went, according to a GoFundMe page.
“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.
The fundraiser described the sudden loss as an “unimaginable” blow to Potter’s loved ones and urged the community to rally around his family as they cope with the tragedy.
“Jason touched more lives than he probably ever realized,” the description continued. “Jason was deeply loved. His energy, his talent, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.”
Harper was remembered by loved ones for the joy she brought to those around her.
A GoFundMe established for her family described Harper as a “beautiful daughter” whose death had shaken hundreds of people who knew and loved her.
“She inspired the people around her through her liveliness, and the impact she made on others is clear in the many lives this loss has shaken,” the description stated.
Donations are being sought to help Harper’s family with funeral costs and other expenses as they navigate the devastating loss, including housing, groceries, lost wages, counseling and parenting support.
Over the weekend, severeal friends of Cabral-Gonzalez posted online tributes mourning the young woman.
“I really wish [R]ebeka, the most kind and generous soul I have ever encountered and will ever encounter, can rest in peace,” one wrote on Instagram. “She was such an incredible voice for the unvoiced and a beautiful soul that could never be replaced…you of all people deserved to be here right now.”
The CHP investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly what caused the Hyundai to leave the highway.
