A Granite Hills High School football player was killed when the Jeep he was riding in crashed into another car, his family confirmed.
William Burton, 17, of Alpine died on the way home from a banquet marking the end of the football season. Burton, a senior, played tight end for the Granite Hills varsity football team.
According to the California Highway Patrol, an 18-year-old man from Crest was driving the Jeep on South Grade Road when he drifted off the road, overcorrected, and crashed into a Lexus going the opposite direction.
It happened about 8:30 p.m. Monday east of Via Vejas Oeste.
The driver of the Jeep had two passengers with him: a 17-year-old from Alpine in the front passenger seat who was wearing a seatbelt and Burton who was riding in the back of the Jeep.
CHP officers said the back of the Jeep had no seats or seatbelts. Burton was thrown from the Jeep and died.
The Jeep's driver and front passenger were taken to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Local
A 51-year-old man from Alpine was driving the Lexus with a 13-year-old girl inside. They suffered minor injuries and did not go to the hospital for treatment.
CHP officers said they do not suspect alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash at this time.
Burton and his friends were on their way home from the football banquet Monday night, according to the family. The high school senior wanted to ride home with his friends.
A spokesperson for the Grossmont Union High School District said Burton was well-loved and very active on campus, adding he will be greatly missed.
"He was an accomplished student athlete who played baseball, basketball, and most recently was named to the All-CIF team in football," said district spokesperson Catherine Martin. "His positive spirit touched the lives of many on campus and in the community."
Martin said three Granite Hills HS students were involved in the collision.
Counseling services were being provided for students and faculty at the school.
