The Proviso Township High School District 209 community is mourning the loss of two students who died in a car crash the night before Valentine’s Day.
According to two public GoFundMe campaigns, Evelyn Martinez, 18, and Rose Hernandez, also 18, passed away following the fatal crash on Feb. 13.
The accident occurred Tuesday, Feb. 13 on the 3600 block of Mannheim Road in Franklin Park, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner website.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the crash occurred a little after 7 p.m. when a car with the two teenagers heading northbound on Mannheim Road drove into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle.
Both cars caught fire and bystanders attempted to help the passengers.
The Franklin Park Police Department was not able to be reached for comment and a formal request for more information has been submitted.
On Feb. 14, the Proviso school district released a statement informing the D209 community about the loss of the two students.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the unfortunate news of the passing of two Proviso students in a tragic accident that occurred on February 13,” officials said in the statement. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of those students as they navigate through this incredibly difficult time.”
Kristine Vendenbroek, director of public and community relations for D209, said that no other information would be provided at this time.
In the statement, D209 officials said they will be offering support to students and staff through grief counseling and additional resources to help “cope with the impact of this tragedy.”
A tribute was organized for the girls at the crash site Feb. 16. Family and friends came to pay their respects to the two teenagers, leaving behind dozens of lit candles, flowers, pink balloons, and their favorite snacks, including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, bags of Hot Cheetos and Skittles.
Pictures of the girls smiling were also displayed and rosaries hung in the wind.
A GoFundMe organized by Stacy Ramirez is hoping to raise $25,000 to help the Martinez-Reyes family.
“Evelyn was a kind-hearted human being,” read the GoFundMe. “Always filling a room with laughter and showing kindness to those she loved. She had a whole life ahead of her full of goals and dreams that were unfortunately cut short.”
As of Feb. 21, through 278 donations, $16,868 have been raised.
Ramirez said the Martinez-Reyes family declined to comment at this time.
A GoFundMe for Rose has also been set up with hopes of “giving her a proper farewell.”
“She was only 18 with so many dreams and goals to still accomplish,” read the GoFundMe. “Rose leaves behind a lot of family and friends that loved her so very much.”
The GoFundMe for Rose has raised over $15,000 of their $20,000 goal.
Rose’s family was not able to be reached for comment.
No funeral details have been released for either girl.
