BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. — Police say speed was "most likely" a factor leading up to a crash that killed three teenagers on Bainbridge Island March 16.
First responders were called to the single-vehicle crash in the 11000 block of Sunrise Drive just before 9 p.m. The vehicle was traveling south when it appears to have left the road, striking several trees and rolling over.
The Kitsap County Coroner's Office identified the teens as Marina Miller, 14, Hazel Kleiner, 14, and Hannah Wachsman, 16.
All three students attended Bainbridge High School and were members of the volleyball team, according to friends who knew the girls.
By Wednesday afternoon, friends and loved ones dropped off notes and flowers at a small memorial established near the crash site. One note said, "Hannah, Hazel, Marina, we love you."
"It's really heartwarming to know because it wasn't just her obviously, it was three girls, who I kind of knew. Just knowing that they're loved by someone and a whole bunch by the whole community is amazing," said Otillia Dauenhauer, one of Hazel's friends.
Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen said the community is still grappling with the loss that is compounded by COVID-19 restrictions. Bainbridge High School has been in hybrid in-person and remote learning since March 1, but the district will offer counseling for students at the school library.
The accident remains under investigation.
