TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two Wesley Chapel teenagers died late Monday night after a single-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the two 17-year-old’s were heading north on Estancia Boulevard in Pasco County at 10:30 p.m., when their SUV lost control for an unknown reason.
The SUV then headed into the west shoulder and crashed into a retention pond, according to FHP. The crash report said the vehicle was completely submerged under the water.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deployed divers who found the SUV hours after the incident. Troopers said both teens were found dead at the scene of the crash.
A group gathered at the site on Tuesday morning to pray. Friends are shocked and in disbelief.
“We’re just in high school, like they’re 17 years old,” said Carter Kelley.” “I’m 17. He’s 17. How do you know like that’s not going to happen to us? It’s just crazy, I can’t even think about it.”
Carter Kelley lives near the retention pond. Kelley told News Channel 8 he went to Wiregrass Ranch High School with teens who both recently graduated.
“She was really perfect she was so fun she was so nice so kind and it’s just crazy,” said Kelley.
Mitchell McCaslin also paid his respect to the late teens.
“It’s just crazy to believe because she was always the life of the party, you know dressing up for spirit week and everything,” said McCaslin. “Now she’s gone and that’s just crazy. I just can’t get my mind around that.”
It’s a tragedy in this community.
“My thoughts and prayers to the family it’s devastating it’s horrible,” said McCaslin.
Neighbors said they planned a prayer circle at 8 p.m. at the retention pond in memory of the teens.
