Tragedy in Spartanburg: Community Mourns the Loss of Three Dorman High School Students in Devastating Crash
Spartanburg, SC — The Spartanburg community is grappling with a devastating tragedy following a deadly car crash that claimed the lives of three teenagers—students at Dorman High School—on Monday afternoon. The incident has left families, friends, classmates, and school staff reeling from an unimaginable loss.
According to Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger, the fatal crash occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of Fairforest Clevedale Road and Old Blackstock Road, a busy stretch on the western edge of the city. Clevenger stated that a 2004 Dodge pickup truck and a 2010 Chevrolet coupe were both traveling westbound on Old Blackstock Road when they collided with a semi-truck that was attempting to make a turn onto the roadway.
All three individuals inside the Dodge pickup were tragically killed in the crash. They have been identified as 15-year-old Daniel Diaz, 16-year-old Aben Sisk, and 17-year-old Itzel Garcia-Trejo. Diaz and Sisk were pronounced dead at the scene, while Garcia-Trejo was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet coupe was also injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. Their identity and current condition have not been released as of this writing.
The loss of these three young lives has sent shockwaves through the halls of Dorman High School, where grief counselors have been made available for students and faculty. In a statement from school officials, the teens were described as “bright, kind, and full of promise”—beloved by peers and remembered fondly by their teachers.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare, and it’s a tragedy no school or community wants to face,” said one Dorman faculty member. “They were so young. They had their whole lives ahead of them.”
Daniel Diaz, 15, was known for his gentle heart, quiet determination, and love for his family. Aben Sisk, 16, had a bright future and a contagious sense of humor that lifted those around him. Itzel Garcia-Trejo, 17, was a vibrant, driven student with a radiant smile and aspirations to make a difference in her community.
Friends have taken to social media to share memories and express sorrow, with hundreds of messages of support and prayer pouring in. Candlelight vigils are already being planned, and flowers, photos, and handwritten notes are being placed at makeshift memorials near the crash site and at the school.
Spartanburg School District Six Superintendent Dr. Darryl Owings extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. “Our hearts are broken. We mourn with the families, and we are wrapping our arms around our students, teachers, and entire community,” he said. “We will get through this together.”
The crash remains under investigation, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is working alongside state troopers to piece together the full sequence of events. Authorities have not indicated whether any charges will be filed.
As the community continues to process this tragedy, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Daniel, Aben, and Itzel—three young lives taken far too soon, but never forgotten.
In Loving Memory:
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Daniel Diaz, 15
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Aben Sisk, 16
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Itzel Garcia-Trejo, 17
Dorman High School Students
Forever in Our Hearts 💔