Community Rallies Around Survivors as Police Identify Trio Killed in Horrific Pasadena Crash

Authorities have released the names of the three young men killed in a high-speed car crash early Saturday morning in Pasadena. The single-vehicle accident also left three other people injured, prompting an outpouring of support from the community, including a GoFundMe page for one of the survivors.

The Pasadena Police Department identified the deceased as Moheb Samuel, 22, Stefan Pfeiffer, 20, a Pasadena City College student and an Eagle Scout, and a 22-year-old man whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. All three were Pasadena residents.

The crash occurred around 2:38 a.m. when a white 2018 Tesla Model 3 carrying six people crashed into a vacant building in the 2300 block of Foothill Boulevard at Vista Ave.

Police say the vehicle was traveling westbound at speeds exceeding 100 mph when it ran a red light at Sierra Madre Boulevard, narrowly avoiding a collision with a northbound vehicle. The Tesla then struck a curb and was launched into the air before colliding with a power pole and a vacant building.

Three passengers, Emerson Newquist, 20, Bella Ramirez, 18, and a 17-year-old female, who is Samuel’s younger sister, were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. They are currently in stable condition, except for the 17-year-old who remains in critical condition.

Some of the individuals involved in the crash had ties to Marantha High School, and the previously planned Senior Ditch Day event was canceled. On Monday, counselors were available at Maranatha High School to support students and staff mourning the loss and serious injuries to their peers.

“Our two current students are in the process of being healed, we hope. And one of our former students did not make it,” said John Rouse, head of Maranatha High School.

“We’re going to spend our time this morning praying with them and encouraging them,” Rouse told reporters. “Again, no one can know what our students are feeling. We are here just to empathize with them, to listen to them.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Emerson Newquist, one of the survivors, with living and medical expenses as he undergoes physical therapy and is unable to continue working.

It may be viewed here.

Police released video footage of the crash as part of their ongoing investigation.

Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor, but toxicology results are pending. Investigators also noted that three of the four passengers in the rear compartment were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected during the crash.

The accident caused a power outage affecting 663 residents and businesses, which was fully restored by Saturday afternoon. The building struck by the Tesla sustained significant damage and has been yellow-tagged.

“Very tragic accident any day but especially on Mother’s Day weekend, graduation and prom season with so many reasons to celebrate so many families will be mourning,” said Lisa Derderian, Pasadena’s public information officer.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously through “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).