Two Former Cerritos College Soccer Players Killed in Rollover Crash in Utah

Three recent Cerritos College alums traveling to Kansas Wesleyan University, where the trio received scholarships to play soccer and continue their educations, were involved in a traffic accident in Utah on Saturday, killing two of the young men and injuring the third.

After just completing their two-year careers at Cerritos College, the trio of Eddie Valencia, 20 (Los Angeles Wilson High School), Carlos Ornelas, 21 (Warren High School), and Briant Reyes (Downey High School) chose to transfer to Kansas Wesleyan University - an NAIA school - to continue their education and soccer careers, according to a statement from the Cerritos College Athletics Department.

Victims Crash During Road Trip to School in Kansas

The three were traveling together in a Chevy Silverado pickup truck en route to their new school and had planned to arrive there by Monday, according to the Falcon's Athletic Department. They were about halfway through the nearly 1,500 mile road trip when they crashed on a road about 28 miles west of Green River, Utah around 9:35 a.m. on Saturday, Aug.  13.

Troopers who investigated the crash said the Silverado was traveling eastbound on I-70 when the pickup went off the left side of the road, rolled into the median and overturned. Valencia and Ornelas were ejected from the truck and transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo.

According to a report from ABC4 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ornelas was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Valencia was transported in critical condition, but he later died, the station reported. Reyes was released with minor arm and leg injuries.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation.

“This is a terrible tragedy and my heart and soul goes out to my players’ families, said Benny Artiaga, head coach of the Cerritos Falcons’ men’s soccer team.

"Carlos and Eddie will be missed dearly by our entire soccer family. Our current team is in complete disbelief and sadness," he said. "These young men had worked really hard to accomplish their scholarships to Kansas Wesleyan. Their parents and teammates were really proud of them."

A fourth teammate of the three, Juan Huerta, also signed on to play soccer at KWU. But he chose to fly to the school instead of driving with the group, said John Van Gaston of the Falcon's Athletic Department. 

Facebook Page Created to Honor the Memories of Valencia and Ornelas

News of the tragic accident quickly spread to friends, family and fans of the two young men. A Facebook page honoring the two victims titled “R.I.P. Eddie Valencia & Carlos Ornelas” was created following the accident, quickly earning more than 1,000 fans – many of whom shared their condolences, words of sympathy and memories on the page's wall.

One Facebook member named Joseph A. posted a note to Ornelas who was fondly known by some as “Ponch”:

“Still can't believe you're gone Ponchito, since I was a liitle [sic] kid I would always want to compare and be like you which just showed how much respect and love I had for you, I have always loved the way you played every game like it was your last, and I hope you know I thrive to be what you were...

I love you tio

Much love Ponchito hope you're still playing up there with God”

Another page member named Brittany P. wrote this note to Valencia:

“beyound [sic] words to say how i feel..ive known Eddie since back in 5th grade shocked to hear that someone i knew since back in our childhood has passed... you both will be truly missed rest in peace Eddie Valencia & Carlos Ornelas”

While some page members posted words of comfort, many others posted video and photos of the two men from their playing days and personal lives.

Dreams to Continue Playing Careers

Valencia, a 1st Team All-South Coast Conference midfielder, and Ornelas, a defender, were eager to join Diego Millan and Jesus Ochoa on a team that went 16-3 last season, advanced to the NAIA National Championships before losing to Oklahoma Baptist University, 1-0 in overtime and finished ranked #8. The team is a strong favorite to win the Kansas City Athletic Conference (KCAC) this coming season after wining it last year, as well as the KCAC Tournament Title. Reyes, a 2nd Team All-SCC forward, is uncertain about his future with the university, according to a statement issued by the Falcon’s Athletics Department.

 "I really don't have the words to describe what our team is feeling," added the Falcon’s coach Artiaga. "I am in a lot of pain and so are a lot of this year's sophomores who spent a lot of time with their teammates. We will do our best to help them deal with this tragedy."