Sylmar crash: 2 college football players killed, 1 hospitalized

SYLMAR, Calif. (KABC) -- Two football players from College of the Canyons were killed and a third was injured in a two-car crash in Sylmar. Two other people had minor injuries.

Eldridge Salguero, 18, was driving southbound on San Fernando Road near Sunshine Canyon at about 7:30 Friday when his Nissan 300Z swerved out of control onto northbound lanes, crashing into a Honda Odyssey van driving northbound.

Salguero was taken to a hospital with major injuries and was listed in critical condition Saturday evening. His two passengers, Isaiah Hastings, 19, of Lancaster, and Alexander Manu, 18, of Reseda, were killed in the crash.

The three played football at College of the Canyons.

"We're just devastated," head football coach Ted Iacenda said in a statement. "Our team came together in a unique way over the summer, and the loss of Isaiah and Alexander leaves a void that I can't begin to describe. We're grieving for their families, and staying positive for Eldridge."

Salguero's friend tweeted out a picture of him, asking for prayers.

"Everybody pray for my brotha Eldridge #prayforeldrige," his friend wrote.

Manu's grieving sister says her big brother was smart, outgoing and loved football.

"He was just so motivated to become the best he could be and he was doing it. He was a great player," said Cia Manu.

Hastings, a running back, was a former All City Player of the Year at Birmingham Community Charter High School. Manu, a defensive lineman, also attended Birmingham.

"He wanted to make it to the NFL," Cia Manu said. "He was so excited and he was on his way. I think he had a bright future ahead of him. I was really proud of him."

It was unclear if alcohol was a factor. Witnesses told authorities that both cars were driving at high speeds and were next to each other when they crashed. LAPD said so far there is no evidence of street racing.

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to rescue some of the victims from the mangled wreck.

The other driver, 44-year-old Suh MinKyung, and her 11-year-old child were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Plans are in the works for a vigil at Birmingham Community Charter High School for the athletes on Sunday.

Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer H. Fredo at (818) 644-8037 or Detective W. Bustos at (818) 644-8021.