An 18-year-old driver who was due to graduate from high school this week reportedly died Tuesday after losing control of his vehicle while speeding, while his passenger was still fighting for his life.
“Joshua tragically lost his life in a car accident while driving a friend home from work. (…) His contagious enthusiasm for life and his unwavering love for soccer touched the hearts of all those who knew him,” lamented the cousin of young Joshua Martinez Arana, Kelly Mateo, in a crowdfunding campaign GoFundMe.
Very early Tuesday, shortly before 2:30 a.m., the young man was driving at high speed with a friend alongside him on a highway in Bedford Hills, New York, when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle, the “New York Post” reported Tuesday.
That’s when the sedan allegedly ended up in a nearby parking lot, hitting several other parked vehicles in the process, Bedford Police Lt. Jeff Gulick reportedly told News 12.
The two boys on board, who were scheduled to graduate from Fox Lane High School on Thursday, were then rushed to Westchester Medical Center where the young driver reportedly succumbed to his injuries.
His passenger, whose age was not specified, is said to be in critical condition.
According to the family of Joshua Martinez Arana, the young man was bringing his friend home from work at the time of the accident.
For its part, the Bedford Central School District mobilized its crisis team and those of neighboring districts to offer support to all those affected by the tragedy in the community.
“Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and this loss will certainly evoke many emotions (…), particularly among our students,” said Superintendent Robert Glass. We are providing assistance to any students or staff who need it during this difficult time.”
