Whittier student mourned on campus after fatal crash

WHITTIER, Calif. (KABC) -- Students in Whittier are mourning the sudden and violent death of a 14-year-old high school student killed in a car accident.

Grief counselors were brought to the campus of La Serna High School to help students cope with the SUV crash that killed Ivette Macias and injured five other people, including four students.

Police say the SUV driven by 19-year-old Daniel Vasquez was traveling at a high rate of speed Tuesday morning as it headed southbound on the 8400 block of Villaverde Drive, just a few blocks from La Serna High School. It veered onto a sidewalk, hit a brick mailbox and rolled over onto its roof.

Macias was pronounced dead at the scene, while the five other victims, ranging in age from 14 to 19, were taken to the hospital, including two in critical condition.

Police say Vasquez had been drinking and he is now facing felony DUI and manslaughter charges.

The mood on campus was somber on Wednesday.

"She was very young and I'm very sad that she's not here with us anymore," said student Jasmine Berriel, a friend of Macias.

With the school prom coming up this week, some are hoping the incident serves as a grim reminder about the dangers of drinking and driving.