A funeral will be held Thursday for an 18-year-old El Capitan High School student, killed last week in a street racing crash. The teenager’s father spoke publicly for the first time Monday night about how his son made a difference in just a short time on Earth.
Anthony Foreman, 18, died along State Route 52 on April 4 – killed when the car he was riding in lost control while traveling over 100 mph. Officials have said the crash was caused by street racing.
Mark Foreman said he adopted Anthony and his older brother 12 years ago when Anthony was just 6. The teenager was thinking about joining the U.S. Marines.
"Anthony does have a great story, but I don't want to detract from the other kids. He was at the pinnacle of his life. He made an impact on so many people. He was put on Earth for a short time, but he was able to make a difference."
As the Foreman’s mourn their loss, another family celebrated a miracle Monday.
Another passenger, Charlotte McQuillen, 15, awoke from a coma.
“She told both her father and I she loves us. She gave me, her brother, her sister, her father kisses,” said the girl’s mother, Kathee Glynn.
With those kisses, McQuillen proved to be a fighter. A quality her grandmother knew she had.
“I know that she's still got a long haul ahead of her but with God on her side and the miracle He gave us today, she's going make it.” Sandy McQuillen said. “She's a very, very, strong young lady,”
McQuillen’s family said the teenager squeezed her father's hand and made a peace sign on command.
The news traveled fast to the 16-year-old driver of the car involved in the crash, who is also McQuillen's boyfriend. The teenager was driving the car carrying McQuillen, Foreman and another friend Jayli James Campbell. Campbell, 16, also died in the crash.
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The California Highway Patrol has said the boyfriend was racing with the driver of another car when the crash happened. NBCSanDiego is not identifying the driver because he is a juvenile.
“He loves her. They're each other's first love. They're 15 and 16,” McQuillen’s aunt, Stephanie Santos said. “It's amazing to see the sparkle in his eye again.”
Charlotte’s family hasn't told her how deadly the crash was.
Campbell's father stopped by the Santana High School Monday and talked about his son's best friend, Foreman, who everyone called "Big Sweat."
“I'm going to miss him. He's with my son right now. You just have to know him. He's very, very funny,” Robert Campbell said.
On Easter Sunday, Robert Campbell planted two palm trees at the crash site in Kearny Mesa - one for Jayli and the other for Foreman.
The service for Foreman is scheduled for Thursday. A service for Campbell will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Sunrise Church in Santee.
Michael Johnson, 18, was behind the wheel of the second car. He was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana. He faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest Johnson has posted $50,000 bail.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. CHP investigators blocked off SR 52 Monday to survey the scene using GPS and laser technology.
Officers looked for tire marks and any debris from the crash left behind.
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