Luis Torres, a 15-year old student at Century High School, was killed this morning while he was in the back of a 2009 Honda that was pulled over on the shoulder of the southbound 57 Freeway, in Fullerton, according to the O.C. Register.
The crash happened early on Sunday morning, at 1:59 a.m., just north of the Yorba Linda Boulevard off-ramp when Nicole Cortinas, 28, of Moreno Valley swerved a 2015 Honda off the freeway lanes and onto the shoulder, striking the 2009 Honda, according to the CHP.
Torres was in the left rear seat when the impact occurred. He died as a result of head trauma. A woman, who was identified as Jennifer Baca, also of Santa Ana, was also sitting in the stopped Honda 2009. She ended up with fractured ribs and sternum as a result of the crash.
Two other passengers of the 2009 Honda were standing outside of the car when the crash occurred and were fortunate to escape without injuries.
Cortinas was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. She was taken to UCI Medical Center with a broken back. Baca was also taken to UCI Medical Center.
Torres hung out with the football team and the custodians at Century High School, according to his teachers and school administrators. He also sang in the choir.
Torres was unable to make the football team at Century due to a medical issue, so he acted as a student-coach instead and would often spend time at lunch talking to the school’s custodians and security officers.
Torres was known to be very kind, respectful and helpful at his school, according to his principal, Michael Parra.
There will be grief counselors available at Century High School this week for the students and teachers in case they need to talk to someone.
