EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Franklin High School football player was killed in a crash in Arizona on Saturday evening, Sept. 14, multiple sources, including a family member, have told KTSM.
Multiple sources have told KTSM that senior football player Emmanuel Lopez died in a crash Saturday evening along Interstate 10 near San Simon near the state line with New Mexico.
Family members of Lopez also confirmed that he was killed in the crash in Arizona and that he was traveling with other family members and another person.
The Franklin High Booster Club confirmed that Lopez has died but did not offer any details.
Here is what the social media post from the Booster Club said:
“It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our own, Emmanuel Lopez #22. You were a voice for others. Your smile lit up any room. You are and will always be our Franklin Family. We ask for prayers, support, embrace and respect for the LOPEZ & GONZALEZ families, as well as his Franklin family and community as we navigate this loss. A memorial has been started around his Senior banner on our home field. You will live on eternally Emmanuel. #Forever22 #LopezStrong #22.”
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the crash happened just after 5 p.m. Saturday along Interstate 10 near San Simon. A commercial vehicle was traveling east on I-10 when one of its tires blew out, according to ADPS. The commercial vehicle crossed the median and struck an SUV that was traveling westbound.
Three people were ejected from the SUV and were pronounced dead at the scene, ADPS said. Two other people in the SUV were airlifted to a hospital as was the driver of the commerical vehicle.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Lopez’s funeral expenses. You can learn more by clicking here.
We have reached out to El Paso Independent School District and to the Arizona Department of Public Safety for additional details. We will update this story when we learn more.
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