Classmates Mourn 3 Killed in Crash

There were tears, painful memories and ultimately the reality: raising money to help pay for the funerals of three fellow high school students who died after their car slammed into an electricity pole as they headed to a Valentine’s Day gathering at the beach late Friday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the victims’ friends and classmates at Magnolia High School in Anaheim returned to campus after the long Presidents Day weekend and launched the somber donation drive to help the families bury the youths. Teachers chipped in, students gave away their lunch money, and even the campus honors society -- of which one of the victims was a member -- donated.

“There’s been a lot of tears on campus, “ said Jennifer McDoniel, 15.

Chau Pham, 17, Justin Lu, 18, and Nordin Hossen, 17, were killed when their car skidded into a power pole in Stanton, just blocks from their homes. Neighbors said they thought the driver had been street racing, but police have not confirmed the report. A boy and a girl who were also riding in the car remain hospitalized.

The accident occurred about 4:45 p.m. in the 10500 block of Gilbert Street, just blocks from the boys’ homes. The 1996 Toyota Corolla, driven by Pham, was traveling 45 to 50 mph when it hit an electric pole, which toppled onto the roof of a home and sparked a small fire.

They were part of a larger group traveling in separate cars to celebrate the holiday with a bonfire at Huntington Beach, Pham’s parents said.

The three classmates were described as bright yet reserved. Pham was a member of the honors society. His parents said he was the bright star of their family, a brainy son with a promising future.

“It must be bad luck,” said Lai Duong, 58, Pham’s mother. “He is such a good driver.”

Crisis counselors were on campus Tuesday, consoling students, who placed candles and banners near the front office.”It’s been a somber day,” Principal Ray Chips said. “For a lot of young people, this is the first time they’ve known someone who died.”

Hossen was cremated Monday, friends said.

Hossen and Lu, both juniors, recently transferred to Magnolia High, where they met Pham, a senior. They shared a love for computer games. All were well-liked and good students, Chips said.

Lu, a native Californian, was a good son who enjoyed football and computer games, said his mother, Thuy Trang Phuong, 41, of Stanton.

“I sacrificed my life to take care of my son,” Duong said. She cried as she kissed her son’s graduation photo. “I love you so much. Oh, my son, I feel so bad for you.”