Monday, November 13, 2006
High school sweethearts killed in weekend car crash
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of two high school sweethearts who lost their lives in a tragic car crash over the weekend.
Loved ones of South Dade Senior High school sweethearts Christian Oliva and Jasmine Pinto gathered at Oliva's home to remember the teens who lost their lives in the horrific accident early Sunday.
"It's sad. They're lovely people. It's just horrible," said Callie Montgomery, a neighbor of Oliva. "You know, what do you say to a mother this has happened to?" said the tearful woman.
Oliva and Pinto, both 19 years old, were traveling to a friend's house just after midnight when authorities say Pinto lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole along Southwest 216th Street, near 139th Avenue.
The sweethearts' death has rocked a community and school counselors were on hand Monday to aid grieving students.
"It's real hard because you don't see them anymore," said Alfredo Jiminez, a friend of the couple. "They're your friends, and you always chill with them at lunch, talk to them about things. You can't do that now. Everybody misses them."
Both Oliva and Pinto were popular students who excelled in school and had everything going for them. Family members say Oliva was very active in his church and even volunteered as a peer-mediator at South Dade High school.
"I was very shocked, and I was very sad," said another friend of Oliva, Andrew Irrizarri. "Actually, I'm probably going to contact his mom after school, and, you know, let her know how I feel."
Officials are investigating whether Pinto was the one who was actually driving the vehicle, since public records do not indicate she had a driver's license.
Olive and Pinto had met in high school and had been dating for a year. Friends say the couple had gotten engaged recently and planned to marry after graduation in June.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
