Juan Alvarado Vazquez was killed after an SUV crossed the center line and crashed into a tree late Saturday night in Franklin County, North Carolina. The 17-year-old Bunn High School senior was one of six teenagers in the vehicle.
The crash happened shortly before 11 p.m. on N.C. 98 at Bethlehem Church Road. Investigators said the SUV was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line, left the roadway and struck a tree.
Alvarado Vazquez, who was known by the nickname “Wavy,” died following the crash. He was a senior at Bunn High School, and word of his death quickly spread through the school community.
Five other teenagers were also injured in the collision. Their conditions were not immediately released by authorities, leaving their families and friends waiting for more information.
Investigators said alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not released a further explanation for why the SUV crossed the center line.
At Bunn High School, the focus shifted from the normal school routine to helping students and staff cope with the loss. The school’s principal told students and families that Juan’s death would be deeply felt throughout the community.
Grief counselors were scheduled to be available at the school throughout the week. Students, teachers, coaches and staff were given access to support as they dealt with the death of a teenager who was part of their everyday lives.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has also been established to help Juan’s family with funeral expenses. For his family and the Bunn High School community, the investigation may answer how the crash happened, but it cannot change the fact that a 17-year-old student is no longer coming home.
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