Issaquah Neighbors Donate $36K To Family Of Teen Killed In Crash

ISSAQUAH, WA — The Issaquah community is rallying behind the family of Ashley Tolosa, 15, an Issaquah High School sophomore who died on Halloween after a serious crash that sent three other students to the hospital. An online fundraiser that launched Wednesday had raised more than $36,000 by Thursday afternoon.

"This loss is being felt throughout the family and the entire Issaquah community," wrote Whitney Gardner, who created the GoFundMe page on the family's behalf. "Ashley was a sophomore at Issaquah High School; she is described by her community as; beautiful, smart, and loving; she was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. The Tolosa/Heredia family roots run deep through Issaquah; the family has lived and worked in Issaquah for over 25 years."

In a message shared Tuesday, Issaquah High School principal Erin Connolly grieved Ashley's loss and acknowledged the wide-reaching impact on classmates, friends and neighbors.

The message reads in part:

"It is with deep sadness that I write this letter to you this morning. One of the students who was involved in the serious car accident Monday night, Ashley Tolosa, passed away last night. We join together to support Ashley Tolosa’s family and our school community as we all cope with this loss.

As we mentioned on Tuesday during school, three other students were injured in the crash. Gabe Graham, Cinthya Esqueda, and another student whose name we have not yet received permission to share have all received medical care for their injuries. In addition to these students who were injured, many other students witnessed the accident or were there on the scene immediately after and experienced some traumatic things. We know that you join us in thinking of all of them and supporting them as well."

Ashley is survived by her mother, Ana Heredia, her father, Victor Tolosa, and four siblings, Karina, Liliana, Victor, Kelly. The funds will help the family pay for funeral costs and other unexpected expenses.

>> Read more via GoFundme.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.