A fatal car accident in Arcadia early Tuesday morning took the life of  21 year old Arroyo alumni and JV softball coach Raymond Yniquez, who was one of three killed in the wreck. A fourth passenger is currently in critical condition.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a light pole which overturned the car on Live Oak Avenue and Las Tunas Drive. Friends say they were headed home after attending a birthday celebration.

Those who knew Raymond were confounded by the sudden loss of a great person.

“When I heard that he had gotten into a car accident, I didn’t believe it. I think i’m still in shock and it’s difficult to even make it into a reality.” said Ms. Laura Purcell, Varsity Softball coach.

Katelynn Barber, 11, mentioned her reaction to the news saying,“I was shocked and didn’t know how to react. I wanted to cry so bad. This whole thing is crazy.”

As a mentor and coach at Arroyo, he made a huge impact on the people who knew, respected, and loved him.

When asked what coach Raymond meant to the girls, Valerie Contreras, 10, replied,”He was like an older brother to us.”

A funny and great person will be missed and remembered this upcoming softball season at Arroyo.

“He was very passionate and caring. He had a lot of potential. Raymond was just a very very nice young man who had gone through a lot.” said Principal Angelita Gonzales.

A candlelight vigil will be held for the late Raymond Yniquez  Friday December 16th located at Rally Square at 5 P.M.