One of the six teens injured after a crash in Merrifield the Monday before Thanksgiving died on Thanksgiving Day, according to Fairfax County police.
While police did not identify the teen, other news organizations and a GoFundMe campaign say the boy is Kevin Guardado Landaverde, 14, an eighth grader who went to Longfellow Middle School in McLean.
The boy’s mother confirmed his death to 7News.
The GoFundMe campaign that is raising money for medical bills and funeral costs said an older brother of Landaverde’s was released from the hospital on Thanksgiving.
Fairfax County police said on Monday that four others injured in the crash remain hospitalized.
A total of seven teens, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were in the 2003 Lincoln Aviator when the 17-year-old driver lost control and struck a tree near Pioneer Lane, throwing five from the vehicle early November 20.
“What is clear is that speed and alcohol were absolutely factors of the crash. Most of the juveniles, from what we have been able to determine so far, were not wearing their seatbelts,” said Lt. James Curry with Fairfax County police, after the crash.
The fact that the teens were not wearing seat belts likely contributed to the severity of their injuries, Curry said.
The driver has not been charged in connection with the crash in Merrifield.
“Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit are continuing to investigate and working closely with the Office of the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney to determine when charges will be placed,” police said in a news release.
Anyone with information that may assist police may call the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Information may be reported to Crime Solvers online or by phone at 866-411-8477.
Fairfax County police said this was the 17th non-pedestrian-related fatal crash this year.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Police Department
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