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3 teens killed in crash after high school football game

By Steve Gehlbach, WSB-TV and Matt Johnson, WSB-TV
By Steve Gehlbach, WSB-TV and Matt Johnson, WSB-TV

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Three teenagers died in a crash after leaving a high school football game Friday, police said.

Police told Channel 2 Action News the crash happened in the 4400 block of Steve Reynolds Boulevard near Meadowcreek High School at 10:16 p.m.

When police arrived on the scene, they told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach they saw a black Toyota 4Runner that had extensive damage. The SUV was off the roadway and down an embankment.

Four teen boys were in the car, according to police. Police identified them as Brandon Martinez, 18, Nelson Umanzor, 18, Naseer Alwakeel, 16 and Mesiah Allen, 17.

Police said Allen was the only survivor of the crash.

Allen was transported to the hospital in critical condition, police said.

Alwakeel's death is "a shock to the entire family," his uncle, Belal Alwakeel said.

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"He was a stand up student, a solid-A student from when he was young," Belal Alwakeel said.

Friends said Martinez was someone they could always depend on.

"He was a friend you'd want to go to if you had problems so he could motivate you," Kimberly Benitez said.

Friends spent Saturday visiting the crash site where a memorial has been set up.

"The students have to understand that life is much shorter than we think," Meadowcreek teacher Tariq Abdul-Malik said.

Family members said they hope parents never have to share their pain.

"Hug your kids and hug your family and those that you care about because you're not promised tomorrow," Belal Alwakeel said.

Police are investigating if speed was a factor in the crash. Single-car crashes have a number of possible causes, according to federal highway traffic safety authorities.

Gwinnett County Schools gave the following statement to Channel 2 Action News: 

"We have been notified that four Meadowcreek High School students were involved in a car accident last night. Tragically, three of the students did not survive and the fourth has been hospitalized.

"The students involved in the accident, three seniors and one junior, have been very involved at the school. We know the loss of three of these young, promising lives will be difficult for students and staff, alike. The school will have its counselors and emergency response teams at the school on Monday to assist those who need help coping with this loss. In the meantime, our prayers are with all of these students' families and the Meadowcreek community as they deal with this loss."

Nasser Alwakeel's father gave Gehlbach a photograph of his son, and confirmed he did attend Meadowcreek High School.

Alwakeel's funeral will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Atlanta Masjid.

GoFundMe pages have been set up for Umanzor and Naseer Alwakeel.

Cox Media Group

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