Families Of Teens Killed In Wheeling Crash Raising Money For Funerals

WHEELING, IL — As the local community mourns the loss of four Buffalo Grove High School students killed in a multi-car crash Tuesday night in Wheeling, the families of the deceased are asking for help in covering funeral expenses.

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. The 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. Seven people were extricated from the cars and taken to area hospitals.

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

Three separate GoFundMe campaigns, and one Spotfund campaign, were started Wednesday by family members to assist with expected funeral expenses.

One campaign was started by Angelina Gomez, who said she is the older sister of Rodriguez. The campaign has a goal of raising $30,000.

"He was a loving brother and son, worked hard to help my dad and mom," Gomez said. "I do not have the words to tell how much he will be missed. Anything will help. I appreciate it so much."

The second GoFundMe campaign was started by Elena Salgado, who said she is an aunt of Hernandez-Teran. The campaign also has a goal of raising $30,000 to offset funeral expenses. Salgado said her nephew wanted to go to college to become a fashion designer.

"He loved his family and always put them first, even selling his concert tickets to attend his Grandma’s birthday," Salgado said. "We would appreciate it if anyone donated to help pay for his services."

The third GoFundMe campaign was started by Brenda Lorenzo, mother of Barcenas. The campaign has a goal of raising $20,000 for funeral expenses. She is asking for donations in lieu of flowers, according to the GoFundMe post. Lorenzo said Barcenas leaves behind two siblings, Adrian and Angel.

"Ricky was a wonderful son who helped everyone and was a very hard worker," Lorenzo said. "I couldn’t have asked for a better child. He meant so much to me and everyone else in his life."

The Spotfund campaign was started by Brenda De Ita, mother of De Ita. That campaign is hoping to raise at least $15,000. Brenda called Richard "one of the sweetest, most loving and hardworking young boys. He loved enjoying life and bringing a smile to others, but most importantly, he loved his family." She said her son was one week from graduation.

"I cannot express enough how much our baby boy will be missed by not only his family, but also everyone else who was touched by his kind heart," Brenda DeIta said. "Once again, we ask from the bottom of our hearts for anyone who is willing to help, to donate or at least keep our baby in your prayers. Thank you and may God bless every soul that helps our family in this tragic event."