The halls of Dana Hills High School feel a little quieter this week. One of their own, 17-year-old junior Calvin Etter, died in a tragic car crash just days before the school year wrapped up. His friends, teammates, and family are now trying to process a loss that no one saw coming.
Calvin’s crash happened in the early hours of May 28. The California Highway Patrol said his vehicle slammed into a crash cushion at a high speed around 1:18 a.m. in South Orange County. First responders got there quickly, but they couldn’t save him. He died at the scene.
A Teammate, A Brother, A Friend
Calvin wasn’t just another student. He suited up as a defensive end for the Dana Hills football team and brought everything he had to every game, every practice, every moment. His coach, Tony Henney, didn’t hold back when talking about what Calvin meant to the team.
“He was an extremely hardworking, smart, and well-liked kid, and he always did everything to the very best,” Henney said. “He will be dearly missed in our program and within our community.”
Off the field, Calvin’s world revolved around family, his truck, and his passion for working on cars. He lifted weights at the gym like it was his second home and always made time for the people who mattered most, his younger brother Austin, his older sister Shanaye, and his mother Honor.
Since the news broke, the community has come together in the way only close-knit places do. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the crash has already raised over $53,000. Every donation, message, and share has carried a piece of support for a family now facing life without their son and brother.
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“Calvin was a proud student at Dana Hills High School and a dedicated member of the varsity football team,” the fundraiser reads. “He was known for his kind heart, strong spirit, and deep love for his family, friends, and girlfriend.”
This wasn’t how the school year was supposed to end. The team, the school, and the entire Dana Point community now move forward with a huge piece missing. Calvin Etter left behind more than stats and game film, he left behind a legacy of loyalty, effort, and heart.
Also Read: REPORT: 17-Year-Old High School Football Captain Killed In Senseless Shooting
