NY high school student, 18, killed, another clinging to life in tragic crash two days before graduation
A Westchester high school senior was killed and another left clinging to life in an early morning car crash Tuesday – just days before they were set to graduate.
The two Fox Lane High School students were speeding along a Bedford Hills highway just before 2:30 a.m. when they lost control of their sedan and smashed into several parked cars in a nearby lot, Bedford Police Lt. Jeff Gulick told News 12.
Both were rushed to Westchester Medical Center, where 18-year-old driver Joshua Martinez Arana succumbed to his injuries, the high school confirmed.
The passenger, another senior from the Class of 2024, remains in critical condition, according to Gulick.
Both were reportedly set to graduate from Fox Lane High School on Thursday.
“Joshua, a senior at Fox Lane High School, was eagerly looking forward to his upcoming graduation and beginning his journey in the army. His infectious enthusiasm for life and his unwavering love for soccer touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,” his family wrote in an online fundraiser.
According to his family, Joshua and his friend were driving home from work, though they declined to say what job they were returning from.
Robert Glass, superintendent of the Bedford Central School District, sent a letter to parents Tuesday morning regarding the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to Josh’s family and this loss is sure to raise many emotions for our entire community, especially our students,” Glass wrote.
“Please know that our district crisis team is mobilized with help from clinicians in neighboring districts, and we are providing assistance for any students or staff who need it during this difficult time.”
