Franklin HS football player Emmanuel Lopez killed in crash in Arizona

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A Franklin High School football player was killed in a crash in Arizona on Saturday evening, Sept. 14, multiple sources, including a family member, have told KTSM.

Multiple sources have told KTSM that senior football player Emmanuel Lopez died in a crash Saturday evening along Interstate 10 near San Simon, Arizona, near the state line with New Mexico.

A family member of Lopez also confirmed that he was killed in the crash in Arizona and that he was traveling with other family members and another person.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said two other people died in the crash and three people were injured.

The Franklin High Booster Club confirmed that Lopez had died but did not offer any details.

Here is what the social media post from the Booster Club said:

“It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our own, Emmanuel Lopez #22. You were a voice for others. Your smile lit up any room. You are and will always be our Franklin Family. We ask for prayers, support, embrace and respect for the LOPEZ & GONZALEZ families, as well as his Franklin family and community as we navigate this loss. A memorial has been started around his Senior banner on our home field. You will live on eternally Emmanuel. #Forever22 #LopezStrong #22.”

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the crash happened just after 5 p.m. Saturday along Interstate 10 near San Simon. A commercial truck was traveling east on I-10 when one of its tires blew out, according to ADPS. The truck crossed the median and struck an SUV that was traveling westbound.

Three people were ejected from the SUV and were pronounced dead at the scene, ADPS said. Two other people in the SUV were airlifted to a hospital with critical injuries, ADPS said. The driver of the truck was also airlifted but they did not specify the extent of his injuries.

The crash started a fire in the tractor-trailer, ADPS said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Lopez’s funeral expenses. You can learn more by clicking here .

A impromptu memorial has been set up for Lopez at his senior banner at the Franklin High School Football Field.

Lopez’s family initially said there would be a vigil Sunday night. El Paso ISD, however, said the official vigil will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the school’s football field.

Many friends, classmates and teammates, however, still gathered at the school Sunday night to remember Lopez.

Here is the statement EPISD sent:

“We are deeply saddened that one of our Franklin students passed away yesterday while traveling to Phoenix with his family for a football game.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly challenging time. We encourage everyone to be respectful of the family’s privacy, and for our community to come together in support and compassion as we navigate through this loss.

“Please know that counseling services are available for students and staff on campus and through Emergence Health Network at (915) 779-1800 .”

We will update this story when we learn more.

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