A fatal car accident occurred on Tuesday evening, January 9, 2024, in Cherokee County, Georgia, claiming the lives of two teenagers and injuring three others.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reported that the accident took place near Towne Lake Hills East on Towne Lake Parkway around 8:17 pm.

The five teenagers were traveling in a Mazda 6 at the time of the crash. The deceased victims have been identified as 18-year-old Esteban Cortez-Rendon from Woodstock, Georgia, and 17-year-old Gabriel Escandon from Marietta, Georgia.

The car veered off the road and collided with a tree in the center median. Escandon was pronounced dead at the site of the accident, while Cortez-Rendon succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

Tragically, Cortez-Rendon had just marked his 18th birthday on the day of the accident.

A 17-year-old passenger from Marietta suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. Similarly, the 17-year-old driver from Smyrna, Georgia, and an 18-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma sustained serious injuries. Authorities suspect excessive speed may have contributed to the accident.

In the wake of the incident, a substantial police force was observed at the crash site, especially near Etowah High School.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation to ascertain the precise details of the accident.

Etowah High School has marshaled its crisis team and counselors to help students cope with the loss.

Principal Robert Horn of Etowah High School addressed the school community, assuring them of the availability of support for those impacted by the tragedy.