Susanville, CA : Woodland Christian School graduate James “JT” Murillo died in a head-on car accident on State Road 36 Sunday night, June 12, 2016

Recent Woodland Christian School graduate James “JT” Murillo died Sunday night from injuries he sustained in a head-on car accident. Murillo, 17, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred Sunday shortly after 8 p.m.

According to a press release from the Susanville Highway Patrol, Murillo was driving east on State Road 36 when the collision occurred. His 2010 Toyota Corolla, for unknown reasons, crossed the center lane and crashed head-on with the other party driving a 2004 GNC Sierra.

Shortly after the accident, the Sierra caught fire, and the two passengers inside were removed from the vehicle and airlifted to the Enloe Hospital.

The Sacramento Bee reported that the driver will be in the intensive care unit for a few more days, while the passenger has already been transferred from the ICU but remains hospitalized, according to CHP spokesman Jay Bunyard. Both are expected to live.

A Saint Bernard dog traveling with them ran into the forest and has not been found, according to the Susanville CHP.

Woodland Christian Administrator Justin Smith said Murillo had a summer job lined up near Lake Almanor — the place from which he was suspected to be returning when the crash occurred.

Murillo graduated from Woodland Christian 10 days ago — he was one of 24 students to graduate with Honors — and was supposed to attend Chico State this fall.

The Sacramento Bee reported that the Murillo family received a CHP call informing them of JT’s death as they drove toward Lake Almanor to look for him, JT’s brother Brandon said. The CHP is still investigating the cause of the crash.

A vigil was held Monday night at Woodland Christian’s field in honor of Murillo, his father Jason spoke to those in attendance.

“I know my son was hard to coach, he was hard to live with. But I’ll tell you what, I wish he was home. The one thing I want to say to everybody is, one thing I’ve done is I’ve taken life for granted. Tell your kids you love them, that’s one thing I haven’t done. I told my kids today that I love them,” Murillo said. “Tell your kids you love them every day, even when you’re mad at them.”

Source :
BREAKING: Woodland teen dies in car accident Sunday night