Marin County, CA – On the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, a fiery single-vehicle collision claimed the lives of four teenage girls and left two others seriously injured, according to KRON.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:30 PM near San Geronimo Valley Road and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Woodacre.
Investigators said the crash involved a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV carrying six Archie Williams High School students, all between the ages of 14 and 16. The following lost their lives when the SUV struck a tree and caught fire:
- Olive Koren, 9th grade
- Josalynn Osborn, 10th grade
- Sienna Katz, 10th grade
- Ada Kepley, 10th grade
The 16-year-old driver and a 14-year-old passenger survived after bystanders pulled them from the burning vehicle. Both suffered severe burn injuries and were transported to area hospitals.
According to the CHP report, speeding is suspected as a factor in the crash. A photo from the investigation showed the vehicle’s speedometer frozen at nearly 60 miles per hour, while the posted speed limit on San Geronimo Valley Road is 40 mph. The report found no evidence of intoxication but stated that the driver may have swerved moments before impact.
Authorities confirmed that the driver had held her license for only five months and was not legally permitted to transport passengers under 20 without an adult over 25. It has been reported that the CHP recommended criminal charges, although the case remains under review by the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, which declined to comment due to the involvement of minors.
School district officials confirmed that all six victims were close friends and students at Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo. Counseling and support services have been made available to students and staff following the tragedy.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Accidents involving Minors
Until drivers reach the age of 18, California Law states that their parents have Vicarious Liability. This makes parents financially responsible for any damages their child causes while driving a vehicle. Vicarious Liability applies whether or not the parent was present with the child in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to navigate these emotional complexities.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
