At 10:42 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018,  3 of the 5 students involved in an accident on State Route 119, east of Erro Ranch Rd. have connections to TUHS. The crash resulted in three deaths. Former Taft High student, Alejandro Arguello, Class of 2016, is deceased as a result of his injuries. Two Taft High students were injured, but their names have not been released to the public. One is a 17-year-old girl, who is a current TUHS student, and the other critically injured crash victim is a 19-year-old man, a recent TUHS graduate.

Jazmin Lizbeth Ojeda Rosales was the operator of the vehicle, a Ford SUV, that left the roadway and overturned. She died at the scene. Fernanda Medina Olivas, who was fatally injured, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

It is unknown still what the cause of the accident was. Three of the teens in the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to the CHP.

Vice Principal Monica Toro sent an email saying, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who held personal relationships with the victims of last night’s accident on 119.” Guidance counselors are available for students in need of support. TUHS sends its condolences and prayers to the families and friends of the victims of the accident on route 119. We will provide any updates as information is available.

Josh Bryant has taken up the effort to raise money to help the families in this time of need.  Between now and next Friday, anyone who is willing to help can drop off donations either at the TUHS business office or at the West Side Little League game site.