4 Fairdale High School students injured in crash, 3 critically

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Four Fairdale High School students were injured in a car crash Thursday, three of them seriously.

The boys were on their way home from school when the accident happened off Fox Avenue, not far from school.

Three of the students played soccer at the school.

"It was tough to believe. We just ended our season two weeks ago," head soccer coach Andrew Osting said.

Nathan Aranda and Mohammad Irbrahim, whose nickname is "Shabang," are in intensive care at University of Louisville Hospital. They suffered the most serious injuries in the crash.

"They are both seniors, both leaders," Osting said. "They were two kids you can count on to be there every day at practice. Always a smile on their face, always wanted what's best for the team."

Louisville Metro police said the accident happened about 2:45 p.m. Thursday when the driver lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. Two of the students were thrown from the vehicle. The driver was trapped. Neighbors said one of the boys has family that lives on Fox Avenue.

The third soccer player injured in the crash, Marco Aranda, is Nathan's cousin.

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The fourth injured student was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Children's Hospital.

Police said speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Osting said students are rallying around Nathan, a goalie, and Mohammad, a starting defender, because that's the role they played every time they went on the field, even after a big loss in their regional tournament.

"Those two were the two that were really helping comfort the other seniors who took the loss a little bit harder," Ostling said. "They still had a smile on their face. Shabang was up, cheerful. He was trying to keep everybody's positive attitude and wanting what's best from everybody."

Osting said they were two of the best student athletes he's ever coached.

A spokeswoman for Jefferson County Public Schools said counseling is available for students and staff who feel they need it.

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