College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita was in mourning Saturday after two of its football players were killed and a third injured in a car crash a day earlier.
The two men who died were identified by the Coroner's Office as 19-year-old Isaiah Treveon Hastings of Lancaster and 18-year-old Alexander Koudjian Manu of Reseda. A third teammate, 18-year-old Eldridge Salguero, remains in the hospital.
"We're just devastated," said Head Football Coach Ted Iacenda in a statement. "Our team came together in a unique way over the summer, and the loss of Isaiah and Alexander leaves a void that I can't begin to describe. We're grieving for their families, and staying positive for Eldridge."
The three men were riding in what police described as a two-seat car in Sylmar on Friday night when the car lost control, swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a minivan. Two people inside the minivan were treated for moderate injuries.
All three players were graduates of Birmingham Community Charter High School in San Fernando Valley, where Hastings was an All-City Player of the Year, College of the Canyons officials said.
Hastings was in his first year at College of the Canyons and played running back. Iacenda described him as a quiet, serious player with an "electric smile."
Manu was "larger than life in every sense," Iacenda said. "Big hair, big body, big smile. "He was one of those personalities where everyone on the team knew him, liked him and gravitated toward him because of his demeanor."
U.S. & World
Salguero, who plays defensive back, was described by Iacenda as a leader and "a tremendous football player."
"We're grieving the loss of two student athletes whose lives and potential were tragically cut short," said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook in a statement. "This was a special group of young men who clearly understood the power of teamwork. Isaiah Alexander, and Eldridge had already distinguished themselves during their short time with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and we're hoping for the best for Eldridge."
Friends planned to hold a candlelight vigil Sunday night at the high school the three attended in Van Nuys.
