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16-year-old dead, 3 others injured after vehicle splits in 2 in central Phoenix crash

Police said speeding on behalf of a teen driver is a contributing factor of the deadly crash.

PHOENIX — Editor's note: The above video first aired in a previous broadcast.

A 16-year-old boy is dead and three other people are injured after being in a car crash in central Phoenix Sunday night. 

Around 9:30 p.m., a Ford Mustang with three teenagers inside was traveling on Indian School Road at a high rate of speed when it collided with a Honda Accord that was turning left onto 36th Street, the Phoenix Police Department said. 

The crash caused the Honda to be pushed into a traffic signal pole, police said.

Of the three teens in the Mustang, two of them were ejected during the crash. Officials identified Tomas Villaverde as the 16-year-old who died. The 17-year-old driver and another 16-year-old had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Villaverde's classmates gathered at the scene of the collision Monday afternoon to pay their respects to the popular Arcadia High School Junior.

“He was really loving,” said Nataley Romo, a close friend of Villaverde’s. “He was always there when you needed him. He was just someone you can count on. He was a warm soul. He was someone who, no matter what was going on in his life, he wanted to make sure you are okay.”

Flowers, candles, and balloons were left at a popup memorial near the intersection of 36th Street and Indian School Road.

The driver of the Honda, a 50-year-old man, also had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the man showed signs of alcohol impairment. 

Friends of Villaverde said they will carry his memory with them.

“He had a lot of things he wanted to do; a lot of things he wanted to accomplish so, I think everybody here plans to carry out those ideas for him,” said Romo.

Officials said speed on the teen driver's behalf was a contributing factor to the crash. Charges will be decided pending an investigation, authorities said. 

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Joven de 16 años murió y otros tres resultaron heridos después de que un vehículo se partiera en dos en un accidente en el centro de Phoenix

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road. 

"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website. 

ADOT's suggestions include: 

  • Don’t speed or drive aggressively 
  • Never drive while under the influence of substances 
  • Avoid distractions while driving 
  • Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same 
  • When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over 
  • Stay extra aware in work zones 
  • Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous

Find more tips on the department's Driving Safety Homepage on ADOT's website here. 

"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said. 

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