Arvin High School students are grieving the loss of classmate Antonio Ceja who died sunday morning in a car crash. Ceja's death adds to a growing list of Arvin students who have died behind the wheel this year. Arvin faculty say they're doing all they can to educate students about the dangers of driving.
Home video obtained by 17 News shows the aftermath of 16-year-old Ceja's Volkswagon Beetle, after he crashed into a pillar on Highway 99 near the Wible Road overpass. Classmates at arvin high school took time today to remember their friend.
"Every time I needed him he was always there for me," one student recalled.
"We will always remember him. He will always be in our hearts," Ceja's friend Cesar Gonzales sad.
Gonzales said Ceja dropped off some friends around three o'clock on Sunday morning and was on his way home when he crashed into the cement pillar in Southwest Bakersfield. Ceja was alone in the car and died at the scene.
Witnesses told C.H.P. officers Ceja was driving extremely fast, and neighbors told 17 News the impact was so strong, it shook a nearby apartment complex.
Arvin High School Assistant Principal Melissa Boatman says her students have experienced a "fair share" of tragic events the past year.
"I can't give an answer as to why but we do our our best to try to educate our kids on safe driving practices and ways to be responsible behind the wheel," Boatman said after a long sigh.
The C.H.P. will host a program at Arvin High School next week, reminding students about the dangers of driving over the speed limit, as well as the dangers of drinking and driving.
