MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A high school senior died Thursday morning in a crash near South Fork High School, according to the Martin County School District.
During a news conference, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek identified the student as 18-year-old Christopher Brooks of Hobe Sound, who he says was driving to the high school for graduation practice.
WATCH: Community mourns 18-year-old killed on way to graduation practice
He says Brooks was traveling north on Pratt Whitney Road when he failed to stop for traffic and rear-ended a dump truck. He died on impact, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office said the crash occurred at Pratt Whitney Road and Bulldog Way around 8:30 a.m., and traffic was stopped at a red light when the crash happened. A friend of Brooks' saw the smoke from the accident, and ran up to the car, according to Budensiek.
"So they're traumatized," he said.
WATCH: Sheriff on fatal crash outside South Fork High School
FHP says after Brooks' 2007 Honda Accord hit the dump truck, that vehicle was then pushed into the rear of a semi truck. The drivers of the dump truck and semi truck were not injured.
"Through our investigation, we learned that Mr. Brooks is a beloved student here at the school, he's part of their ag program, part of their shop program, and this really does highlight just how, again, how fragile life is, how quickly things change. His grandparents, who are his legal guardians, have been on scene with us pretty much since this crash took place," said Budensiek.
Martin County School District Chief of Staff Jennifer DeShazo called the loss an "unfathomable tragedy," and said tonight's graduation ceremony will still go on, but will "take on a much more somber tone."
She said Brooks was a lifelong Martin County student, who had attended school in the district since kindergarten. He was on the high school's bowling team and was part of the veterinary tech program, which prepares students to become vet assistants.
Graduation at the school is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday. The district said they are offering counseling throughout the day.
FHP is leading the investigation.
