5 Killed In I-85 S Labor Day Duluth Crash Id'd; 3 Were High Schoolers

Editor's Note: This story was updated to include statements from the Lakeside High School principal and the DeKalb County School District superintendent.

DULUTH, GA — The five people who were killed in a Labor Day interstate crash that injured three others have been identified, and police say at least three of those who died were high-school students.

The deadly three-vehicle pileup happened shortly before 4 a.m. Monday on the University Parkway westbound ramp that leads to Interstate 85 southbound.

Gwinnett County Police said the vehicle carrying the people who died went over the wall of the raised ramp before falling onto the I-85 south collector-distributor to Pleasant Hill Road.

The people who died were identified Monday night as Katie Gaitan Miranda, 17, of Atlanta, Ashley Gaitan, 16, of Atlanta, Coral Lorenzo-Rosario, 17, of Atlanta, Hung Nguyen, 18, of Lawrenceville and Abner Santana, 19, of Suwanee, police said.

At least three of the people who died were Lakeside High School students in DeKalb County, police said.

The three people who were injured were taken to local hospitals, police said.

"It has not yet been determined what factors led to the collision, or the seriousness of the injuries to the surviving parties," police said in a news release Monday night.

Lakeside High Principal Dr. Susan Stoddard said in a letter to parents Tuesday Miranda, Gaitan and Lorenzo-Rosario were Lakeside students. Patch obtained a copy of the letter.

Stoddard said students were notified of the crash and met with crisis team members Tuesday morning. The members will remain at the school the remainder of the week to offer support.

She asked families to not speculate about the crash details out of respect for the students' families and friends.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students affected during this challenging period. We can only imagine the enormous pain and sorrow they are going through, and we are here to support and uplift them in any way we can," Stoddard said in the letter.

DeKalb County School Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton sent out a district-wide letter, asking for unity, love and compassion. Patch obtained a copy of the letter.

"To the students and staff at Lakeside High School, please know that we are here for you," Horton said. "We understand that grief is a profoundly personal journey, and we are committed to providing the necessary support to help you heal. Throughout this week and beyond, our district will have trained professionals available for grief counseling and support services. We encourage you to reach out, share your feelings, and lean on the available resources."

Horton advocated for self-care and urged people to take the necessary time to process their emotions. He said the school district will find a way to honor the three students.

"In closing, please remember that you are not alone," he said. "We stand beside you, ready to offer our love, support and guidance. Lean on one another, reach out for help when needed and believe in the power of unity to carry us through this tragic time."