Community rallying behind family of teen killed in car crash on his 18th birthday

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The community is rallying behind the family of a teenager killed in a car crash earlier this week.

Esteban Cortez-Rendon was one of five teenagers in a Mazda 6 on Tuesday night when it left the road and crashed into a tree. Cortez-Rendon and 17-year-old Gabriel Escandon died from their injuries.

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It appears speed was a contributing factor in the accident, according to the sheriff’s office.

Tuesday was Cortez-Rendon’s 18th birthday.

Friends told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell they remember him for his strong faith in God.

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His family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help offset funeral costs.

“Esteban was an inspiration to many in his community and had a huge impact on the lives of the people around him at such a young age of 18. Esteban was a driven hard working individual who used every opportunity possible to spread the word of God,” they wrote.

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