By: Chris Caraveo
Twitter: @ChrisCaraveo31

A high school senior was identified as the girl killed in a fatal Avondale collision last week.

Students, officials and clubs of Agua Fria High School have since come together to remember Amanda Moreno.

She was the lone fatality in a four-vehicle collision Sept. 27 near Dysart and Osborn roads.

Others were seriously injured, and a man is in jail on suspicion of DUI and reckless manslaughter.

While police did not release the deceased’s identity, the Agua Fria High School District confirmed Monday to the Daily News-Sun that Moreno was a popular student at Agua Fria High School, and was killed in the crash.

Officials provided additional counseling services at the school Friday.

“As you can imagine, any sudden loss of life is difficult for those who knew her and for the greater community,” Superintendent Dennis Runyan stated in an email. “She will be missed greatly by the Agua Fria High School teachers, community, and her friends.”

The Agua Fria High School football booster club posted on Facebook asking for people to be considerate of others in wake of the crash.

“If you knew her or didn’t know her personally, you can still experience the feeling of loss,” the post states. “Take care of yourself and be mindful of others. Be present, listen and don’t judge others.”

Members of the Agua Fria Cross Country team wore wristbands with “Amanda” written on them when they competed at a meet in Casa Grande the day after the crash.

In Avondale that night, the Agua Fria student council hosted a candlelight vigil after the football team’s 27-14 win.

Monday, students were encouraged to wear Moreno’s favorite color of red.

Arrested driver’s story

Tollie Matthews III, 54, the driver arrested in the crash, told police he had taken two Oxycodone pills prior to leaving his home in Litchfield Park.

Records state the vehicle Mr. Matthews drove swerved within its lane before colliding with a vehicle in another lane. The other vehicle crossed the median and hit a vehicle traveling northbound. A second northbound vehicle crashed into the first one.

Mr. Matthews could not recall the collision, only saying he fell asleep and may have collided with the median. He was reportedly on his way to a gas station because his tire pressure was low. He said his tire blew out and caused him to crash into the median.

Police learned he was supposed to be driving with a vehicle interlock device. However, the vehicle his drove did not have one, as it was his wife’s.

Mr. Matthews was jailed in lieu of a $100,000 bond. His next court dates are Oct. 4 and 8.

Others seriously injured

Ms. Moreno was a passenger of the first vehicle hit in the collision. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner, her primary cause of death was craniocerebral blunt force trauma as a result of the crash.

Ms. Moreno’s driver sustained bleeding and fractures to multiple body parts, and was reported in critical condition at the hospital, records state.

The driver of the first northbound vehicle sustained a dislocated hip and injuries to both knees. The second northbound vehicle sustained minor injuries of knee bruisings and chest soreness.

A GoFundMe account surpassed its $5,000 goal to support Ms. Moreno’s family. Donate at www.gofundme.com/amanda-moreno-memorial-fund.

No other information has been shared on a memorial service or other funeral planning.

Reporter Chris Caraveo can be reached at ccaraveo@newszap.com.