Salinas, California — Three teenagers were killed in a devastating two-vehicle collision in Central California, including students from UCLA and UC Santa Cruz, after a Honda CR-V crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Altima.
The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on Abbott Street between U.S. 101 and Harris Road, near Salinas, according to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and NBC affiliate KSBW.
A black Nissan Altima was traveling south on Abbott Street when a white Honda CR-V traveling north entered the opposite lane for an unknown reason. The two vehicles then collided.
Three Teens Die in the Crash
Two passengers inside the Honda and one passenger in the Nissan were killed in the collision. The victims were later identified as Abigail Tinoco, 19, Sebastian Burgos, 18, and Noah Trevino, 18, according to officials cited by local outlets.
The two drivers, ages 21 and 20, survived the crash. Three additional people were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities have not yet publicly determined why the Honda crossed into the opposite lane, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The California Highway Patrol and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
UCLA Student Remembered as Future Lawyer
Tinoco’s family has shared an emotional tribute following her death.
Her sister identified Abigail as a sophomore at UCLA who dreamed of becoming a lawyer. She was also enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant program and was reportedly expected to complete the program that weekend.
In a GoFundMe tribute, her sister described the teenager as someone who brought joy and support to the family.
“She was my little sister. She was my rock and made us laugh all the time,” Tinoco’s sister wrote. The family was left grieving a future that had seemed to hold so much promise.
“There was supposed to be more time. More weekends home. More laughing. More church together,” she continued.
Later, she added:
“She was supposed to come home.”
UC Santa Cruz Freshman Remembered by Family
Burgos had recently begun his first semester at UC Santa Cruz, where he was studying biology. His family said he dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. His sister, Fiona Burgos, described Sebastian as a young man who loved drawing and running and was known for his kindness.
“To know him is to love him,” Fiona wrote in a separate GoFundMe campaign.
“Sebastian is one of the most selfless people I know, and he will be missed by many,” she continued. “His early departure from us has left us broken.”
The family is now mourning a teenager who had only just begun his college journey.
Family Remembers Noah Trevino
Trevino’s family also established a fundraiser following the deadly collision. Relatives did not share extensive details about the crash involving Noah and his brother, Nathan.
A cousin, Diana Trevino, wrote that the family’s focus should now be on supporting Noah and Nathan’s parents.
“Rene and Drina are devoted parents, and right now their only job should be loving their sons and being by their side,” Diana wrote.
She also thanked friends, relatives and supporters for helping the family during an incredibly difficult period.
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“Thank you for loving Nathan and Noah and for helping us carry some of the weight for their family when they need it most.”
Investigation Into Deadly Crash Continues
The circumstances that caused the Honda CR-V to enter the opposite lane remain under investigation. Officials have not indicated whether speed, impairment, distraction, a medical emergency or another factor played a role.
For the families of Tinoco, Burgos and Trevino, however, the investigation comes as they face the devastating loss of three young lives.
Three teenagers with dreams of college, careers and futures ahead of them are now being remembered by the people who loved them most. Share your thoughts and condolences for the families and friends grieving this heartbreaking loss in the comments.
