Overview of the Incident
Late on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, a Volkswagen SUV carrying six teenage girls veered off San Geronimo Valley Road in rural West Marin and slammed into a tree, immediately sparking flames and chaos in what was meant to be a routine drive home from Archie Williams High School
First responders from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Marin County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes to find three of the occupants already deceased at the scene and one more critically injured .
Despite urgent medical intervention, a fourth teenager succumbed to her injuries after being transported to the hospital, while the remaining two passengers, including the driver, remained in critical condition.
The Victims
All six victims were Archie Williams High School students, aged between 14 and 16
The four girls who lost their lives have been identified as Olive Koren, Josalynn Osborn, Sienna Katz, and Ada Kepley .
The two survivors, Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barclay, were flown to regional trauma centers and are still fighting for their lives .
Community Mourning and Response
A candlelight vigil held in Fairfax on Saturday night drew hundreds, including classmates, parents, and teachers, all united in grief and solidarity .
Community leaders, including Tamalpais Union High School District Superintendent Tara Taupier, announced grief counseling services for students and staff, acknowledging the deep trauma inflicted on this tight‑knit community .
Local faith groups incorporated prayers for the victims into Easter Sunday services, with Grace Church of Marin placing six lilies at the altar in their memory .
Investigation Underway
The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash, examining roadway conditions, vehicle data, and potential mechanical issues .
Authorities have not ruled out factors such as speed, road design, or driver fatigue, and have appealed to anyone with surveillance footage or witness accounts to come forward .
Honoring the Young Lives Lost
To support the families, community members have set up GoFundMe pages to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing medical bills for the survivors .
A scholarship fund in the names of Olive, Josalynn, Sienna, and Ada is being established through the Tamalpais Union High School District, aiming to carry forward their legacies of kindness and ambition .
Archie Williams High has scheduled a Memorial Assembly next week, where students and teachers will share memories, artwork, and music in tribute to their fallen classmates .
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the families and friends affected by this irreparable loss. May the unity and support of the North Bay community bring some measure of comfort in the days ahead.