PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An early morning crash in Beaverton involving five Southridge High School students and a Washington County deputy left two of the students dead and the other four people in critical condition, officials said.
The students, identified as 16-year-old Juan Pacheco Aguilera and 17-year-old Matthew Amaya, were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other four involved were all rushed to the hospital, according to Beaverton police.
At 12:37 a.m. Wednesday Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue tweeted crews were on the scene of a multiple-vehicle crash on Tualatin Valley Highway at SW Murray Boulevard. Officials said the crash involved a Nissan Altima and a Washington County Sheriff’s Office patrol car.
According to Beaverton police, the Nissan was headed southbound on Murray when it ran a red light and struck a deputy’s patrol car.
The driver of the Nissan and other two passengers were reportedly taken to the hospital in critical condition. Their condition as of Wednesday afternoon is unclear.
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the deputy involved in the crash as Michael Trotter who sustained life-threatening injuries from the crash. Officials noted he remains in critical but stable condition.
“This morning’s events are not only difficult for the sheriff’s office but also the Washington County community, especially members, family, friends of the Beaverton School District,” Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett said. “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of 17-year-old Matthew Amaya and 16-year-old Juan Pacheco Aguilera who tragically lost their lives.”
In a letter sent to parents late Wednesday morning, Beaverton School District confirmed all five people in the second car were students at Southridge High school.
“We are devastated to learn of these deaths. Our hearts go out to their families and friends, and our thoughts are with those who are currently hospitalized. We also want to extend our condolences and support to the Southridge community. We have extra counselors at school today to support all those in need,” BSD said.
Additional counselors will reportedly be available to students on Wednesday.
Tualatin Valley Highway reopened at SW Murray Boulevard nearly six hours after officers were called to the scene — but crime tape and car parts remain in the area, according to KOIN 6 News reporter Jami Seymore.
While KOIN 6 News was out there, one family brought flowers to the site. They said their son is friends with one of the Southridge HS students who is still in critical condition.
Watch Washington County Sheriff’s Office press conference below.
Anyone with information on the deadly crash is asked to call 503-629-0111.