Neighbor describes moments after suspected DUI crash in Novato that killed teen, hurt 4 others

NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, we're learning more about a weekend crash that killed one teenager and left four others severely injured. It happened early Saturday morning in Novato.

Police say the 17-year-old driver is suspected of DUI. We know the teens attended high school in Rohnert Park.

"I wanted to come out here today, so I could say a couple of words at the last place he was still with us," said a teacher who chose to stay anonymous.

The teacher came to the crash scene memorial in Novato to mourn the loss of a student and pray for four other teens who are still in the hospital.

"They're all good kids. Every single one of them," said the teacher.

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Novato police say speed and alcohol played a part on the wreck early Saturday morning on San Marin Drive, the Toyota Camry striking a power pole and crushing the front end. They say the 17-year-old male driver is suspected of DUI.

"But the ambulance was taking him away. He was yelling his name, saying, 'Please keep breathing,'" said neighbor Culma Magana.

Magana says she's still haunted by words of the teen driver to his friend. She spoke with the driver after first responders arrived.

"I approached him for a minute and asked if he was ok. Did you drink? He said, 'Yes, I'm done. My life is over,'" Magana said.

The five teens, ages 16 to18, are current or past students at Rancho Cotate and El Camino High Schools in Rohnert Park, which share the same campus.

"It's unimaginable for the school district staff, families. The feeling of loss and sadness is profound," said Cotati-Rohnert Park USD Superintendent Maite Iturri.

Iturri said the district is getting ready to students and staff on Monday, with grief counselors and mental health professionals.

"There's an organization that provides therapy dogs. They'll be on campus as well, " Iturri said.

The superintendent confirms that just last week, Rancho Cotate students participated in the "Every 15 Minutes Program" about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving.

"Unfortunately, we now have a real-life situation where we lost a student and others still critically injured," the teacher said.

Police say the crash investigation continues.