Deadly Novato Crash Kills Student, Injures Others

Counselors on campus to support students and staff after weekend tragedy

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled car door handle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic accident.The aftermath of a suspected drunk driving crash leaves a community in mourning and searching for answers.Rohnert Park Today

A suspected drunk driving crash in Novato on Saturday morning has left one high school student dead and several others injured. The Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District has confirmed that four of the teens involved are current students at Rancho Cotate and El Camino high schools, while the fifth is a former student. Grief counselors have been brought in to help the school community cope with the devastating news.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and its devastating consequences, especially when it involves young people. It also underscores the importance of providing mental health support to students and staff affected by such traumatic events.

The details

Police believe the 17-year-old driver had been drinking and speeding when the vehicle veered off a curve on San Marin Drive and slammed into a utility pole just before 1 a.m. The impact crumpled the silver sedan, leaving two teens in stable condition and two others in critical condition.

  • The crash occurred around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Grief counselors were brought in on Monday, April 14, 2026 to support students and staff.

The players

Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District

The school district that oversees Rancho Cotate and El Camino high schools, where the students involved in the crash attended.

Maité Iturri

The superintendent of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, who expressed the district's heartbreak and condolences over the tragedy.

John Boyajy

A resident near the crash scene who noted that the curve where the accident occurred is dangerous even for sober drivers.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tragedy. I mean, what can you say? These youngsters — one of whom is now dead — I mean, that crash is going to affect them for the rest of their lives.”

— John Boyajy, Resident

“We know that there are no words that can ease the grief. This loss is felt deeply by our entire Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District family. Our entire CRPUSD community is heartbroken, and our thoughts are with the students, their families and all those affected by this tragedy.”

— Maité Iturri, Superintendent

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and the district is providing grief counseling and support to students and staff as they mourn the loss of their classmate.

The takeaway

This devastating crash serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially among young people. It also highlights the need for comprehensive mental health resources in schools to help students and staff cope with such traumatic events.