The sister of one of five teenagers killed when their car plunged off a cliff in Grand Junction has launched a GoFundMe site in recognition of her brother’s “tragic death.”

Although names of the five had begun appearing on social media and in tabloid press accounts including in the Daily Mail on Tuesday, names of the five had not yet been released by officials as of midday Tuesday. All were 17 years old and Grand Junction residents.

A spokeswoman for Grand Junction Police Department said a crash report had not been released yet and referred inquiries to the Mesa County Coroner’s Office. 

The coroner’s office declined to name them because they’re juveniles.

Three of the teens were identified by their families on GoFundMe postings: Tristan Tucker, Tyler Kersey-Huffman and William Simms.

Editor’s note: On Wednesday, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identifications of all the teens. In addition to the ones previously identified, Titus Gould and Braden Taylor were killed in the crash.

Emily Simms posted on a GoFundMe page that her 17-year-old brother William lost his life with four friends.

Family heartbroken

“Our family is heartbroken and trying to process a loss we still cannot fathom,” the account said. “We were all very close and losing him so suddenly has turned our world upside down.”

Simms added that her mother is the sole provider of the family, and “the financial pressure is growing.” Funds raised, the site continued, would be used toward burial, memorial services and bills during the period as the family mourns.

Two other GoFundMe sites were posted Tuesday, one by Cody Kersey, asking for help “after the heartbreaking loss of my first-born son, Tyler.”

“He was an amazing older brother, deeply loved by our family and by so many friends,” that site continued.

“He was incredibly intelligent and was recognized by college boards for how bright he was. He was talented in everything he did, and he carried himself with a poise and grace that felt unmatched.”

The site asked for funds toward memorial costs and “the time I need to take off work so I can be there for his brother and for my family as we grieve,” it continued.

Lauren Leavitt posted a site on behalf of Tristan Tucker, who she identified as a high school senior.

“We are asking for your support as Tristan’s family navigates the overwhelming emotional and financial burden that comes with such a heartbreaking loss,” according to the post.

Coroner’s report

The coroner’s office reported that three occupants of the car were wearing seat belts, but that two were not restrained and had been thrown from the vehicle during the crash. All were pronounced dead at the scene.

The address of the crash was 2694 Lookout Lane in Grand Junction, in the Orchard Mesa neighborhood of the city. Autopsies had been performed and the office reported that deaths were due to injuries sustained in the crash.

The address appears close to where Lookout adjoins prominent cliffs overlooking the Gunnison River.