Santa Ynez High School Student Dies After Crosswalk Accident

A 15-year-old Santa Ynez High School student was hit by a minivan at the intersection of Refugio Road and State Route 246, according to the California Highway Patrol.

School principal, Mark Swanitz said Carina Velazquez passed away, and that grief counselors are on site at the high school.

Swanitz says Carina was walking home from a Future Farmers of America meeting on school property when she was struck in the only marked crosswalk near the campus.

The school marquee has a message of support to the Velazquez family.

The CHP report shows the driver of the minivan, 83-year-old Greta Garofallou was driving westbound on Highway 246 at 6:55 p.m. Thursday.

Officials say the teenager crossed in front of the minivan at Refugio Road. The teen suffered major injuries and was transported by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

The CHP report indicates that neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Any witnesses to the collision are encouraged to call the Buellton CHP at 805-688-5551.

Slideshow: Santa Ynez High School Student Dies After Crosswalk Accident