FOR THOSE WANTING TO DO SOMETHING IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS:
This is a Facebook post from Josie Freier's Father:
"This is Josie's Dad. I want to thank all of you for your kind words. If you would like to do something for my JoJo Bug you could bring a new toy to one of the Spokane Valley Fire Stations. JoJo loves to work at the Toys for Tot's warehouse with her dad and sisters. If you would like to leave a note with the toy that would be great.
The Freier family."
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UPDATE: The male driver, who has yet to be identified, has been upgraded to stable condition.
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SPOKANE VALLEY, WA - Hundreds gathered Sunday night at University High School in Spokane Valley, to remember the lives of two teenage girls who passed away in a car accident on Saturday, October 5th.
Students at the vigil said the huge turnout reflects how much these girls were loved and shows what a devastating impact a tragedy like this has on the community.
"The whole community is showing up and it just shows how close this community is when a tragic thing like this happens," said University High School Senior Caleb Gilbert.
Hundreds gathered on the football field to say goodbye to the two girls who were sophomores at University High School. The names have not been officially confirmed and will not be released until after an autopsy is completed. However, friends have identified the two girls as Josie Freier and McKenzie Mott.
Friends, family, school staff, community members, and even firefighters from the Spokane Valley Fire Department came to the vigil to honor the lives of these teenagers. Each person held a white candle during the vigil as the principal of University High School spoke, a prayer was said, and as everyone bowed their heads in a moment of silence.
The principal spoke on behalf of the families saying, they will let people know when they are ready for visitors. The family also asked that instead of food or flowers, people donate a new toy to Toys for Tots. The charity was Josie's favorite, according to the principal who also said she had volunteered with the organization. If anyone wants to donate a toy in their memory, it can be dropped off at any Spokane Valley Fire Department location.
Monday will be the first day of school for students since this tragic accident.
"There are going be a lot of sad people," said University High School Senior Khalil Williams. "I'm hoping we can all come together and try to focus on keeping their memory preserved, but it will definitely be hard, that is for sure,"
"They were just great girls, and every time I saw them in the hallways they were smiling and just put a smile on my face every time I saw them," said Gilbert.
At Sunday night's vigil a member of the high school said, "These girls were special. They touched so many people. Monday and the rest of this year is going to be so different than we expected."
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KHQ.COM - On Sunday night University High School in Spokane Valley held a candlelight vigil for two students who died Saturday night in a car wreck on South Bates Road near East Ponderosa Drive.
The girls, ages 15 and 16, were passengers in an Infiniti sedan driven by a third student, a 16-year-old male who is hospitalized in critical condition. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has not released their names.
The driver was northbound on Bates when he lost control and hit a curb on the east side of the road about 9 p.m., sheriff's Deputy Craig Chamberlin said. The car was propelled up and struck a tree on the passenger side, Chamberlin said.
Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash, but speed does appear to have contributed to it, Chamberlin said. The posted speed on Bates is 25 mph. All three students were wearing seat belts.
Sunday night's vigil was organized by U-High students on the school's football field.
A post on the school's Facebook page said, "Our hearts are broken. Our love & support goes out to the family, friends, students, staff & community."
School counselors, administrators and the Central Valley School District support team will be on hand this week to help grieving students, according to the Facebook post.
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KHQ.COM - Two teen girls ages 15 and 16 were killed in a vehicle crash late Saturday night in Spokane Valley. Deputies say the two teens and a male driver were driving in the area of Bates and Ponderosa when their vehicle hit a curb then slammed into a tree.
Authorities say alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the wreck but speed was a factor.
An autopsy has been scheduled for this week. The teens that were killed have not been identified by authorities. The male driver was transported to a hospital, his condition at this hour is unknown.
It's also not known if the driver will be charged.
Students tell KHQ that a vigil will be held at the University of High School football field on Sunday night at 7:30 for the deceased teens.
McKenzie Mott on the left, Josie Freier on the right
