4 Buffalo Grove High Students Killed In Wheeling Car Crash: D214

WHEELING, IL — Four Buffalo Grove High School students were killed Tuesday night in a multi-car crash that sent seven people to the hospital in Wheeling. A spokesperson with Township High School District 214 has confirmed to Patch that all four teens killed were students at the school, and another BGHS student remains hospitalized.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these students during this time of tragedy," Stephanie Kim, communications coordinator for District 214, said in a statement. "We also offer condolences to all Buffalo Grove students, families and staff members."

The names of three of the students — Jesus Rodriguez, 16, Kevin R. Hernandez-Teran, 17, and Richard De-Ita, 18 — were released late Wednesday morning by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. All three are residents of Wheeling. The identity of the fourth teen that died is Ricky Barcenas, 17, of Arlington Heights, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Police are blaming speed and a disregarded traffic signal for the crash involving three cars. Officers responded to the intersection of Dundee and Schoenbeck roads at around 10:19 p.m., according to a news release. Seven people were extricated from the cars and taken to area hospitals. The teens who died were between the ages of 16 and 18. They were occupants of the primary vehicle involved in the crash.

BGHS was already closed Wednesday due to a fire there last night. Kim said counselors are available "to help our school community deal with this tragic loss and will inform students, staff and families directly regarding this."

RELATED: Fire Closes Buffalo Grove High School Wednesday

Police said power was knocked out for residents near the crash scene. ComEd restored power at around 11:20 p.m. Tuesday night and police asked drivers to find alternate routes as the intersection was closed.

"Today, our community mourns the loss of four young lives taken from us far too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the one student currently hospitalized," State Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) said. "As a parent myself, I can only imagine the pain and grief these families feel. I see you, I hear you, and I am available to support everyone in our community throughout this difficult time in any way possible."

Wheeling social service workers are working with the families involved "as they begin to process this terrible event." Wheeling Police Chief James Dunne is also extending his "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the deceased.

The Northwest Suburban Major Case Assistance Team's Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction unit, along with Wheeling police crash investigators, are continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash can contact the Wheeling Police Department at 847-459-2632.

The families of the deceased have started GoFundMe and Spotfund campaigns to help pay for funeral expenses.

RELATED: Families Of Teens Killed In Wheeling Crash Raising Money For Funerals