Authorities identify four victims killed in Wrightwood solo-car crash

Authorities have released the identities of four Wrightwood residents killed in a solo-car wreck that also left two others critically injured on Friday. The crash took place about 1:35 a.m. Sept. 4 along Highway 2 between Wrightwood and Big Pines, according to the California Highway Patrol. It claimed the lives of Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez, 21; Jason Potter, 19; Cole Torres, 19; and Nevaeh Harper, 20, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Loved ones described the four as friends. All four victims, along with the two survivors, were riding in a 2016 Hyundai Veloster headed east prior to the crash, authorities said. "The driver allowed the vehicle to veer to the right, depart the roadway, overturn, travel down the embankment, and collide with a power pole," according to a CHP statement. Five of the occupants of the Hyundai were thrown out of the vehicle. Four of them died from their injuries at the scene. The two others were hospitalized in critical condition, officials said. None of the six victims were wearing seatbelts, the CHP statement said. "Alcohol is likely a contributing factor in this crash." It was not immediately clear who had been driving the car. The investigation was ongoing. Any witnesses, or anyone with information, was urged to call Officer F. Melgar of the CHP's Antelope Valley Area Office at (661) 743-6060. Jason Potter was recalled as "an incredibly talented snowboarder who had a way of bringing so much life and energy into every space he entered," family friend Mandee Durdines wrote in a statement accompanying the memorial. "His infectious energy, his passion, and the way he connected with people made him someone who was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and so many in our community," she said. "Our community is feeling this heaviness alongside them. Jason touched more lives than he probably ever realized, and the love surrounding his family is a reflection of just how special he was," Durdines added. "Let's surround the Potter family with the love, strength, and support of the community that is grieving with them." An online memorial for Rebekah Cabral-Gonzalez also established by Durdines described her as "a beloved young Wrightwood local whose presence touched more lives than she ever could have known." She was "a loving daughter, a cherished sister, a devoted twin, an athlete, a musician, a teacher, a caregiver, a friend to all, and one of the kindest souls you could ever meet," the statement said. "[She] was a bright light, a free spirit with an incredible zest for life, a kind heart, and a genuine love for the outdoors," Durines continued. "She was an athlete throughout school and found another great passion through music. She participated in several school bands, expressing herself through something she loved so deeply." "But perhaps what made Rebeka most special was the way she cared for other people," according to the friend. Cabral-Gonzalez worked with children with special needs. "Those who knew her best often felt that this wasn't simply a job for her, it was her calling," the memorial said. "She had a natural ability to connect with people, especially those who needed someone willing to truly see them, listen to them, and believe in them." "She touched countless lives simply by being herself," according to Durdines. "She left people feeling cared for, accepted, and valued, and she never asked for anything in return. Her life was far too short, but the impact she made was not." According to a memorial set up by family friend Debbie Lynn, Cole Torres "was tragically taken from her in a car accident along with three of his best friends." "This loss has shaken not only [his family], but the entire community, and the pain is still so fresh," she wrote. "Right now, [Torres' mother] is in a state of shock and trying to process something no parent should ever have to face," the statement said. "Her son had just learned at a gender reveal that he was going to be an uncle to a baby girl, which makes this loss feel even more devastating for everyone who loved him." "With three other families also affected by this tragedy, support from the community means so much right now," Lynn said. Nevaeh Harper's death was also being felt throughout the community, according to a memorial fundraiser established by Jenafer Dalby. "She will be missed immensely. So many of us would trade anything to feel her love again," Dalby stated. "She inspired the people around her through her liveliness, and the impact she made on others is clear in the many lives this loss has shaken." "This heartbreaking loss has touched the lives of hundreds of people who knew and loved her, and our family is still trying to process the pain of losing someone so suddenly," the memorial said. "Thank you for keeping them in your thoughts and for supporting them through this devastating loss." Stay informed and connected: Sign up for our alerts to receive the latest updates on important news.