CLARENCE, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police say two Williamsville South students died in a car accident in Clarence.
The accident happened just after 4:00 p.m. Monday along Delaware Road near Goodrich Road.
Investigators say 17-year-old Luke Malinich was driving a 2020 Jeep Cherokee east on Delaware Road, when it crossed into the oncoming lane, went off the road, flipped and hit a tree.
Tuesday morning, troopers confirmed both Malinich and his passenger, 17-year-old Lauren Taggart, died at the scene. State Police said both teens were wearing seatbelts.
LLL is written on the cross.
— Michael Schwartz (@MSchwartzTV) March 8, 2022
LONG LIVE LAUREN
LOVG LIVE LUKE pic.twitter.com/SGXX3DEU9X
Police believe the Jeep was speeding before it went off the road.
"TALK TO YOUR KIDS"@nyspolice says both 17-year-old students killed in yesterday's crash in Clarence were wearing their seatbelts when the car went off the road, flipped & crashed roof first into a tree. The cause believed to be high speed. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/590JkA97ul
— Michael Schwartz (@MSchwartzTV) March 8, 2022
A memorial service for the two teens killed in yesterday’s crash has closed off Goodrich Road for right now.
— Michael Schwartz (@MSchwartzTV) March 8, 2022
Been speaking to very emotional family & friends who are adding to the memorial. We’ll show you it later, but right now respect comes first for grieving loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9jN1OrrhG5
The Williamsville Central School District sent a notice to families in the district Monday evening, informing them of the deaths and released the statement below. Grief counselors will be available to students and staff for the remainder of the week.
The Williamsville Central School District is heartbroken by the loss of Williamsville South seniors Lauren Taggart and Luke Malinich. Our thoughts are with the Taggart and Malinich families during this difficult time. Grief counselors and support staff are available for students and staff.
