Limerick Township, PA – June 5, 2025 — A devastating car crash in Montgomery County has left the Owen J. Roberts School District community in deep mourning after three teenagers — Gabriel Cooper, Nasir Youk, and Siniyah Newsuan — were killed late Tuesday night. The incident, which followed a reported theft at a local Target store, also left a fourth teen seriously injured.
According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, the crash occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. on June 3, 2025, in the 300 block of Ridge Pike in Limerick Township. The victims were all just 17 years old.
Sequence of Events: Target Theft and Pursuit
The incident began minutes earlier, at 9:06 p.m., when Limerick Township Police were dispatched to the Target store in Royersford, Pennsylvania, in response to a reported theft in progress. Upon arrival, officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in the theft. However, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, prompting a short police pursuit.
A few minutes later, the fleeing vehicle lost control and crashed, resulting in a horrific accident that claimed the lives of the three teenagers. A 15-year-old male, also a student at Owen J. Roberts High School, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. He was transported to Temple University Hospital for treatment, where he remains under medical care.
Victims Identified as Current and Former Owen J. Roberts High School Students
In a letter sent to parents and guardians, Superintendent Will Stout of Owen J. Roberts School District expressed the district’s profound sorrow. “It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter and let you know that earlier this morning we learned that there was a fatal car accident last evening involving Owen J. Roberts High School students,” Stout stated.
The district later confirmed that Gabriel Cooper and Nasir Youk were currently enrolled students at Owen J. Roberts High School, while Siniyah Newsuan was a former student of the school. The identity of the fourth individual, a 15-year-old boy, has not been released due to his age and privacy considerations.
School District Offers Grief Counseling and Community Support
Following the crash, Owen J. Roberts High School activated its crisis response team and has been offering grief counseling, mental health services, and support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
“We are saddened to share that two of our Owen J. Roberts High School students and a former student passed away as a result of this incident. In addition, a fourth individual, who is also an OJR student, was seriously injured,” the district said in an official statement. “Please keep our fellow Owen J. Roberts High School families in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time.”
Parents, teachers, and community members have begun rallying around the affected families, offering condolences and assistance during this tragic period.
Montgomery County Detectives Continue Investigating Crash
The Montgomery County Detective Bureau, along with Limerick Township Police, is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not yet determined who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident, nor have they disclosed whether any charges will be filed in connection with the alleged theft or subsequent crash.
Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from the Target in Royersford, gathering witness statements, and analyzing evidence from the crash site in order to understand what led to the tragic loss of life.
Community Reacts with Shock and Sadness
News of the fatal car accident involving Owen J. Roberts High School students has sent shockwaves through the Chester County and Montgomery County communities. Vigils and memorials are being planned, and local clergy and mental health professionals have been made available to offer support.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and heartfelt messages from classmates, teachers, and loved ones. Many described the teens as full of promise, with their lives tragically cut short.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Services
As of Thursday, funeral arrangements for Gabriel Cooper, Nasir Youk, and Siniyah Newsuan have not yet been announced. The school district has pledged to share details about any memorial services or celebrations of life as soon as they become available.
In the coming days, it is expected that the community will gather to honor the memory of the three teenagers whose lives ended far too soon.