Tragic Car Crash Claims Lives of Archie Williams High School Students – A devastating car crash on Friday night in Marin County has left the community of San Anselmo in mourning. Four students from Archie Williams High School tragically lost their lives, and two others remain in critical condition following the fiery incident that occurred just before sunset.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. when the vehicle carrying six students was traveling west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. For reasons still under investigation, the car veered off the road and collided with a tree on San Geronimo Valley Drive near the town of Woodacre. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to catch fire almost immediately, making rescue efforts difficult.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene. Sadly, three of the students were pronounced dead on site, while a fourth succumbed to injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital. The remaining two passengers suffered life-threatening injuries and are being treated at local trauma centers. As of now, the identities and ages of the victims have not been made public, pending notification of their families.
Archie Williams High School, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District, has been left reeling from the tragedy. School officials have expressed deep sorrow over the loss and are coordinating grief counseling services for students, staff, and families affected by the crash. The school district released a brief statement on Saturday morning, saying, “Our hearts are broken for the families and friends of the students involved. This is an unimaginable loss for our community.”
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, questions remain about what led to the vehicle losing control. The CHP has not yet confirmed whether speed, weather conditions, or mechanical failure played a role. They are urging any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward as they continue their investigation.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Marin County community, with many residents gathering for impromptu vigils and memorials over the weekend. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have been placed outside the school, and classmates have taken to social media to share memories, express grief, and offer support to one another.
Local leaders, including San Anselmo officials and school board members, have called for community solidarity in the face of this tragedy. “This is a time to come together, to support these families, and to hold one another close,” said one town official during a Saturday press conference.
As the community grieves, the focus remains on supporting the surviving students and honoring the memories of the young lives lost far too soon. Archie Williams High School will hold a candlelight vigil on campus early next week, with further details to be announced.