Teenagers killed in head-on collision in Playa del Rey identified

PLAYA DEL REY (CNS) – Two teenagers who were killed in a two-vehicle head-on collision in Playa del Rey that also left two others in critical condition were identified Thursday as brothers, one of whom was scheduled to graduate Thursday from Morningside High School in Inglewood.

The teens were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examination as David Ceja, 17, and Hector Ceja Jr., 15.

Firefighters were dispatched around 7:55 p.m. Tuesday to the 8800 block of Vista Del Mar, near Dockweiler State Beach, to investigate a collision involving five people, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered two people were trapped inside the vehicles and attempted to free them. A trapped victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other people were taken to the hospital in critical condition, but one later died, Fox 11 reported.

A fourth victim was taken to hospital and was found to be in fair condition, Prange said.

The surviving victims were identified as two women, aged 18 and 30, as well as an 18-year-old man, Prange said.

During graduation ceremonies Thursday at Morningside High School, David Ceja's family took the stage to accept his diploma. His graduation cap and gown were also on display, and students observed a moment of silence in his memory.

Hector Ceja is also a student at the school.

Fox11 reported that a driver involved in the crash may have taken a puff of laughing gas before the crash. According to the station, a nitrous oxide tank was discovered near the wreckage.