Only Channel 9 speaks with coach of teen killed in I-Drive crash – WFTV

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Coach Ramirez has fond memories of Santiago Torres.

“He was funny, fun to practice. He never complained,” said Ramirez who spoke exclusively with Channel 9. “He was looking to the future saying, 'When I'm 18 or 19, I want to be this, I want to be that ; he tried to be better every day.

According to his coach, Torres hoped to become a professional footballer, but his life was cut short.

The Florida Highway Patrol said he was behind the wheel of a 2006 Ford Fusion that crashed into a concrete sign on International Drive on Monday.

Read: Boy, 16, dies in I-Drive crash; passenger, 16 years old, seriously injured

According to the FHP, Torres only had a learner's permit and was not authorized to drive at that time of day.

Santiago's team now pays tribute to his friend.

“We had a minute of silence on Monday. We prayed,” Coach Ramirez said. “Two weeks ago he gave me a hug and told me I'm sorry because he was probably going to miss some practices. He gave me a good hug, strong and I said don't worry about it.

Santiago was not alone at the time of the accident. The passenger, Andri Villalobos, 16, was ejected from the vehicle and taken to the hospital. Channel 9 learned he died a few hours later.

Read: Car crashes into Orange County building

The Florida Highway Patrol says that in 2023, there were more than 110,000 crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day – the known period and deadliest days of the summer.

“The top two citations they get the top two violations for are illegal speeding, as well as reckless driving,” said Migdalisis Garcia, with the FHP. “We want to take this time to remind parents and remind these teen drivers who are now getting their driver's licenses of the importance of driving safely.”

The team is now preparing to honor the 16-year-old with a memorial this weekend.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to live stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

©2024 Cox Media Group