2 New Jersey Teens Walking Home From Party Killed When Car Jumps Curb

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two teenagers walking home from a party were killed when a car went over a curb and struck them in Union City, New Jersey this weekend.

Another teen was critically injured in the accident, which occurred around 9:15 p.m. Saturday in the area of 26th Street and Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen. The victims were on their way back from a party at the time.

CBS2's Ilana Gold identified the victims as 16-year-old Noel Herrera and 17-year-old Brian Rodriguez. Both were sophomores at Union City High School.

Herrera was an eighth grader at Cliffside Park Middle School, Rodriguez a sophomore at Union City High School.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported late Sunday, tears and hugs nearly outnumbered the candles that filled the sidewalk along John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Union City where the two teens were killed.

Their classmates came to pay their respects.
"The minute I found out, I just had to be here," said Union City High School sophomore Elijah Arias.

Noel's mother told CBS2 that her son and Rodriguez were best friends.

"He was such a good boy," said Sandra Herrera.

She said she talked to the victims just before they were killed, and they said, "Mom, we love you."

Sandra Herrera said police said to her a drunken driver was responsible for her son's death, though police have not confirmed the information.

The third friend was taken to the hospital with a broken leg.

Classmates have created a growing tribute to each of the boys, including Arias, who knew Rodriguez.

"Saying my prayers, saying my last goodbye," he said.

Luis Flores, also a Union City sophomore, came with a group of friends all carrying candles for Rodriguez, saying they wanted to honor his memory together.

"It's tragic, it's tragic. I wish it hadn't happened to him or anybody," Flores said. "I hope God's gods taking care of him and all that stuff. It really hurts to see that he's gone."

The schools will likely have grief counselors on hand for students on Monday.

Hudson County officials say one person has been charged in the accident. But that person's name and further details on the charges they are facing were not released.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

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