Students killed in crash after police chase identified

LIMERICK TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPHL) — A growing memorial marks the site of a deadly crash in Limerick Township as the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office identified the three teenagers who were killed Tuesday night following a police pursuit.

Gabriel Cooper, Nasir Youk, and Saniyah Newsuan, all 17 years old, died of blunt force injuries according to the corner’s office.

Investigators say a 15-year-old boy, who was believed to be the driver was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

The crash happened around 9:15 p.m. on in the 300 block of Ridge Pike. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Limerick Township Police had responded just minutes earlier—at 9:06 p.m.—to a 911 call about a possible theft in progress at the Target store on Ridge Pike in Royersford.

When officers arrived, they attempted to stop a vehicle allegedly connected to the incident. The car fled, and within minutes, the driver lost control. The vehicle crashed violently, killing the three teens.

Two of the teens killed were students at Owen J. Roberts High School. The third victim who died was a former student. The school district sent a letter out to its academic community expressing sorrow in the loss of its students, and informed families that grief counselors will be on campus for students and faculty coping with the loss.

Montgomery County detectives are now leading the investigation. Officials say they are reviewing body camera footage, dashcam video, and other evidence to determine what led to the crash and whether police pursuit protocols were followed.

Meanwhile, the memorial growing at the crash site is where members of the community are gathering to grieve. Friends, classmates, and local residents have been stopping by to leave flowers, balloons and stuffed animals, while sharing memories of the young lives lost. On Friday afternoon, loved ones will honor the victims with a balloon release in Spring City.