3 teens killed, 3 others injured after early-morning crash in Apopka, troopers say

Vigil held for 3 teens killed in Apopka crash

A Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 17-year-old veered off the road and struck a tree before overturning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. One passenger was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two other passengers, a 17-year-old male and a 13-year-old male, were pronounced dead at the scene.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Sunday morning crash in Apopka that killed three teenagers and seriously injured three others. 

Troopers said the crash happened around 1:37 a.m. Sunday on Welch Road near Wekiwa Drive.

According to FHP, a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling eastbound on Welch Road when the driver, a 17-year-old male, lost control while navigating a curve. The pickup truck veered off the road, struck a tree, and overturned, authorities said. 

The driver and two passengers — a 15-year-old male and a 14-year-old male — were taken to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to FHP.

Three other teens were in the pickup truck when it crashed, according to authorities. Two passengers, a 17-year-old male and a 13-year-old male, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old passenger was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced dead. 

Orange County Schools responds

What they're saying:

The teens who were involved in the crash were students at Apopka High School and Kelly Park School, according to a Facebook post from Orange County School Board member Melissa Byrd. 

Apopka High School and Kelly Park School families were notified about the crash on Sunday morning, an Orange County schools spokesperson said.

"One of the hardest parts of being a school board member is when tragedy strikes and we lose one of our precious students," Byrd said in a Facebook post. "Our Apopka and OCPS community suffered a devastating loss today when three of our students lost their lives in a tragic automobile accident in Apopka. Please pray for Apopka High School and Kelly Park School K-8 as both of these schools work through their loss.  Hold your kids and loved ones tight showing your love for each other, every day."

Counselors are available for students and staff at both campuses, the school spokesperson said. 

What we don't know:

It's unclear what caused the driver to lose control of the pickup truck. The crash remains under investigation, according to FHP.