Sammy Lahik, a high school student, was among four people killed in a two-car crash in Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the 18-year-old celebrated being accepted to Duke University last month. He was also recognized as an Orange County Public Schools “Super Scholar” for his academic achievements.
Lahik, a senior at Orange County’s Windermere High School, was one of two people in a 2024 Toyota Camry when it collided with a 2024 BMW M2 on Central Florida Parkway just before 11 p.m. on March 1, WESH reported.
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A Florida Highway Patrol accident report acquired by People states that both vehicles were moving at a fast speed when the drivers lost control.
Lahik was ejected after the BMW tried to change lanes and clipped the Toyota, which then collided with a light pole. Meanwhile, the BMW slammed into many trees near the road.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Lahik and Imalay Camacho Castaño, a 24-year-old passenger in the BMW, were taken to a nearby hospital and later passed away.
Raul Gomez, 26, the driver of the BMW, and Moad Machti, 21, who was sitting in the front seat of the Toyota, were both declared dead on the spot.
Additionally, the 20-year-old driver of the Toyota—whose name has not been released—was taken to a local hospital with significant injuries, according to reports.
Before the accident, Lahik and the other two passengers in the Toyota had just left Ramadan services, according to WESH.
“They were really active children,” Imam Tariq Rasheed told the outlet. “They were brilliant in academics, but at the same time, they were wonderful people.”
The school district released a statement about Lahik’s passing on March 3 and also grief counselors visited Windermere High School.
Dr. Maria Vazquez, OCPS superintendent, wrote, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Windermere High senior Sammy Lahik, who was involved in a fatal car accident on Saturday night. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and the entire Windermere community during this incredibly difficult time. The sudden passing of a young life is an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to providing support for our students and staff as they navigate this grief.”
