While vacationing in Oregon before the start of school, four Ridgefield teens were killed last week in a collision. Two were scheduled to be freshmen at WSU this fall.

According to the police report, the driver, 17-year-old Aja Gerrity, attempted a legal pass by a slow-moving vehicle. Failing to do so, she tried to move back into her own lane but lost control of her car. It slid broadside into the eastbound lane before being struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The accident occurred on Aug. 10 on Highway 30 near Clatskanie, Ore., according to police reports.

Gerrity and three of her four passengers were killed. The passengers included Amanda Williams, Richard Araiza and Jason Carter. All were 18 years old. The fourth passenger, Dustin Leitzell, was transferred to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Gerrity and Williams, seated in the front, were wearing their seat belts, according to police reports. It remains unclear about the passengers seated in the back of the SUV.

Williams and Carter were planning to be Cougs.

Williams was involved in her high school and the cheer team. One friend said she was always willing to give.

“She was a really nice girl,” said Tim Horne, a sophomore undecided major. “She was really outgoing and a nice person to talk to. She would always be there to help out.” Carter was the senior class president of his high school and an honors student.

A memorial service took place Aug. 13 at the victims’ high school, and each of the students had separate funerals.

Those who organized Williams’ funeral did well at capturing what she was like, Horne said.

“They did a good job commemorating her full and healthy life,” he said. “It was just sad to see her go so early.”