Three perish in early morning South Whidbey crash

Three people died from injuries they sustained in a car accident in South Whidbey early Saturday morning. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. However, the Washington State Patrol has identified the deceased as three young men, ages 22, 20 and 19. One is from Freeland, another from Langley and the third had a Palmdale, Calif., driver’s license.

Three people died in a car accident in South Whidbey early Saturday morning.

The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. However, the Washington State Patrol has identified the deceased as three young men, ages 22, 20 and 19. One is from Freeland, another from Langley and the third had a Palmdale, Calif., driver’s license.

A fourth person was also injured and transported to Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville. She has been identified as Kaylea Souza, 18, also of Langley.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, Souza was southbound on Wilkinson Road at about 12:05 a.m. in a 2003 Chevy Malibu with her three passengers when she passed a vehicle in front of her.

The report says the vehicle lost control, left the roadway on the right side and then struck a tree. The car came to rest on the right shoulder and became fully engulfed in flames. It’s unclear whether the three men were able to get out as the news release says only that the young men died at the scene.

Speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the accident and charges include vehicle homicide and driving while under the influence.