CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Editor's note: The photo and video previously attached to this story was not associated with this crash scene. The story has been updated to make the correction.
Two teens were killed Tuesday night in a wreck in Cherokee County, with three other teens injured in the crash, according to the sheriff's office.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said in a release early Wednesday morning that it happened at Towne Lake Parkway near Towne Lake Hills East.
According to the sheriff's office, a Mazda 6 "left the roadway and struck a tree in the center median." The sheriff's office said speed appeared to be a contributing factor in the wreck.
Gabriel Escandon, a 17-year-old passenger from Marietta, was pronounced deceased on the scene, the sheriff's office said. The four other teens in the car were taken to a hospital, where one of them - 18-year-old Esteban Cortez-Rendon from Woodstock - died. Cortez-Rendon had just turned 18 yesterday, the sheriff's office said.
Another 17-year-old from Marietta had injuries described as serious. The 17-year-old driver from Smyrna and an 18-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma had injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening.
The identities of the other three people in the car are not being released at this time. The sheriff's office said its Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing to investigate the wreck.
In a letter to parents, Etowah High School Principal Robert Horn said one of the victims who died was a former Etowah student who last attended the school in 2022. No current Etowah High students were involved.
"We know that some of our students knew him, and our school district’s crisis team and our school counselors are here if they need to talk about this loss," the principal said. "If your child is struggling with this loss, please let us know so our counselors know to reach out."
The sheriff's office said in a statement: “The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken by this tragic car accident and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who are mourning their loved ones today. We ask that you keep all the families involved in your prayers.”
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