Local Reaction to Deadly Car Crash in VA

The neighbors of the young people who were killed in a horrific car crash in Virginia Tuesday are trying to absorb the news and support the devastated mother of the victims. At 3395 Reservoir Oval West in Norwood, a temporary shrine has been set up with flowers and candles for the six who died. (Five are confirmed as the family of Pamela Ramharrack, and the sixth is still unidentified.)

According to police reports, Petrina Gopaul, Anthony Gopaul, Rawlins Gopaul, Anderson Gopaul and Jessica Gopaul were on their way to North Carolina when their Honda Accord crossed the median, and ran into a truck. The siblings ranged in age from 11 to 25. Neighbors said that they were good, respectful kids who never hung out in the street or got into trouble.

When their mother heard the news, she called the children's father in Trinidad, where the family is from, and he had a heart attack, according to the Gothamist account of the events.

The Gopauls' neighbors in their building are planning to take up a collection to help the family with funeral expenses. We'll post more details as they become available.