Editorial: Grieving Marin community pulls together after horrific deadly crash

The loss of the young lives of four Marin teen-aged girls and two more who were seriously injured in an April 18 car accident on San Geronimo Valley Road is heartbreaking.

The large display of flowers and memorial offerings left in front of the roadside redwood tree their car struck and in front of their school – they were ages 14 to 16, freshmen or sophomores at Archie Williams High School – reflects how the accident left so many saddened and shaken.

The California Highway Patrol, in a statement released by Capt. Amy Newton, commander of its Marin office, reflected the deeply felt emotions: “No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, and our hearts are with the entire community as they grieve.”

The CHP is still building the details of the accident, but it appears the young driver, who was giving her friends a ride, was headed to Woodacre at about 7:30 p.m. and veered off the winding road and hit a tree.

Motorists familiar with the narrow, tree-lined stretch of road are aware that it leaves little room for error.

In the wake of the accident, the parents of a surviving passenger have said that the 16-year-old driver swerved the SUV off the road in order to avoid an oncoming vehicle that had veered into her lane. They said that each child was wearing their seatbelt.

As we said, authorities – the CHP and the county coroner – are still sorting out the details.

People nearby the crash rushed to the accident in an attempt to help and rescue the girls before first responders arrived.

Their heroics should not go underappreciated.

The Marin County Fire Department, in its post reporting the accident, also reflected the gravity of the tragic loss: “This is a heartbreaking incident that has deeply affected our entire community. Our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those involved. We extend our sincerest condolences and send our love and strength to all who are grieving. We also hold close the two individuals who remain with us, as an agency and as a community, we keep them in our thoughts as they continue to receive care.”

Counseling and grief support services are being offered to Archie Williams students.

Likely parents across the country – among them those who have teen-aged drivers and those whose children headed toward the privilege of getting a driver’s license – could relate, in part. For them, it’s a lesson that hits close to their homes and their hearts.

The deadly crash and loss certainly took an emotional toll on first responders.

In the wake of the accident and as details unfold, the county should take a hard look at that stretch of road to determine if there are reasonable measures that can be taken to improve its safety.

Authorities’ investigations should be diligently pursued. Witnesses who could help who haven’t already stepped forward, should call the CHP at 415-924-1100.

The loss of these young girls hurts – lives sadly ended too young and too early.

The deaths are a horrifically tragic loss for their parents, siblings, families and friends, especially their young classmates.

Marin, as a community, has come together to mourn this heart-wrenching loss of young lives at vigils; church services; moments of silence at civic gatherings; flowers, photos and offerings left in front of their high school and at the scene of the accident and with many tears of deep sorrow.