Two teenage brothers died in a car accident this week, just days before one of them was to graduate from Morningside High School.
David and Hector Ceja, ages 17 and 15, died after the car they were traveling in collided with another vehicle Tuesday night in Playa Del Rey, authorities said. The Inglewood Unified School District identified the two teens this week.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two Inglewood Unified School District students as a result of a fatal car accident,” the district said in a statement. “The district is providing counseling support to our school communities during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to the families affected by this profound loss.”
On Thursday, the school honored David Ceja during its graduation ceremony, where he would have gone on stage and received his diploma. A framed photograph of a smiling David, dressed in his red graduation cap and gown, was placed among the rows of graduates seated at the ceremony.
The mood at graduation was somber as his family received his diploma on his behalf. The school held a moment of silence for the “fallen monarchs,” the school mascot. During the ceremony in honor of the brothers, three doves were released.
“This is devastating,” Morningside High School Principal Kiwiana Cain said during the graduation ceremony. “Today we gave her her diploma because she earned it. She earned it. Today she was supposed to be here with us.”
According to authorities, the car carrying the teens was traveling north on Vista Del Mar near Dockweiler Beach when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided with another vehicle. David died on the spot; His brother died on the way to the hospital, Los Angeles police officials said.
Three other people were also injured and taken to a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
