A crash in rural Marin killed four teenage girls and critically injured two others, all students at Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo, authorities said.
The girls are 14 to 16 years old.
“This is an incredibly heart wrenching time for our entire school and broader community,” Tara Taupier, the superintendent of the Tamalpais Union High School District, wrote in a statement to the public. “As we await more information, we know the Tam District community will pull together in compassion, care, and support for one another.”
The wreck happened at about 7:30 p.m. Friday on San Geronimo Valley Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The girls were traveling in a Volkswagen SUV that went off the road and crashed into a tree.
Three of the girls were pronounced dead at the crash site, and one died at a hospital, the CHP said.
The girls who were critically injured were transported to hospitals outside Marin for a higher level of care, said Chief Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities did not release the names of the girls Saturday.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. Potential sources with information for investigators can call 415-924-1100.
“No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, and our hearts are with the entire community as they grieve,” said Capt. Amy Newton, commander of the CHP’s office in Marin.
Police closed San Geronimo Valley Road until about 1:45 a.m. during the preliminary investigation. Later in the day, residents placed flowers at the base of the scarred tree that the vehicle struck.
Taupier said the school district was working with the county to arrange counseling for students and staff.
“We will have counseling available at all Tam District Schools this week and ongoing,” she said.
A community vigil for the victims was planned for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the central ballfield in Fairfax.
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