A high school “super scholar” was one of four people who died in a two-car accident in Florida over the weekend.
Sammy Lahik, a senior at Windermere High School in Orange County, was a passenger in a 2024 Toyota Camry along with two others when it collided with a 2024 BMW M2 along Central Florida Parkway shortly before 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, according to NBC affiliate WESH-TV and CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.
Both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed when the drivers lost control, according to a Florida Highway Patrol accident report obtained by PEOPLE. The BMW attempted to change lanes and clipped the Toyota, which then hit a light pole, ejecting Lahik. Meanwhile, the BMW crashed into several trees alongside the roadway.
Lahik and a 24-year-old passenger in the BMW, Imalay Camacho Castaño, were transported to a local hospital where they later died, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Moad Machti, 21, who was in the Toyota’s front seat, and the BMW’s driver, Raul Gomez, 26, were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition, the 20-year-old driver of the Toyota — whose identity has not been released — was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, the news stations reported.
According to WESH, Lahik and the two others in the Toyota had just left Ramadan services before the crash.
“They were really active children,” Imam Tariq Rasheed told the station. “They were brilliant in academics, but at the same time, they were wonderful people.”
Just last month, Lahik celebrated his acceptance to Duke University, the Sentinel reported. He was also named an Orange County Public Schools “Super Scholar” for his achievements in the classroom.
On Monday, March 3, grief counselors were at Windermere High School, and the school district issued a statement regarding Lahik’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Windermere High senior Sammy Lahik, who was involved in a fatal car accident on Saturday night,” Dr. Maria Vazquez, OCPS superintendent, wrote. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and the entire Windermere community during this incredibly difficult time. The sudden passing of a young life is an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to providing support for our students and staff as they navigate this grief.”
