ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A funeral service was held Monday night for a Windermere High School student who died Saturday night in a crash. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Saturday night South Orange County crash that left four people dead

  • The two-vehicle crash happened on Central Florida Parkway after the cars collided and veered off into trees

  • One of the victim's was Windermere High School Senior Sammy Lahik

  • A Janazah, or a muslim funeral service, was held for Lahik at the Islamic Center of Orlando on Monday

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the two-car crash happened on Central Florida Parkway in Orange County when the driver of a 2024 BMW changed lanes and then tried to get back in the original lane after passing a 2024 Toyota Camry.

Troopers said the collision caused both vehicles to veer off the road. The Camry hit a pole before crashing into several trees along with the BMW.

The FHP’s report stated that both vehicles were doing above the posted speed limit.

Four people died in the crash, including 18-year-old Sammy Lahik, a senior at Windermere.

Hundreds of people attended Lahik’s funeral at the Islamic Center of Orlando. The Janazah included a community prayer for Lahik and his family at the Mosque, followed by his burial at ICO’s Muslim cemetery.

Those that knew him the most say that he was just genuinely one of the best people they’ve ever met and had his entire future ahead.

Zakaria Taheri, one of Lahik’s best friends, said he was riding with two friends on their way to play soccer after praying at the ICO for Ramadan.

Taheri described Lahik as a genuinely kind person who had a charisma and charm that attracted people to him.

Taheri said that his friend had a full academic scholarship to attend Duke University and was excited to start his new path.

“Yeah, he was set. All he was doing was just waiting for college. So, he had his life figured out, and he was one of the best of us,” Taheri said. “Religiously, and in every kind of way. As a person and even like academically, you know.”

Taheri said he was comforted to see hundreds of people attend his friend’s Janazah.

He said Lahik used to always send him encouraging videos just to say that he loved him and that he mattered and it was those moments and conversations he says he will miss the most.

“It did not hit me. I was just in so much shock that it did not hit me,” Taheri said. “So, like maybe four hours later when I saw a video of him like calling me one of his best friends and everything, and that’s when I just broke down.”

In a statement on Facebook, Orange County Public Schools announced that Windermere High School will offer grief counselors for those that need support.

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez issued a statement.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Windermere High senior Sammy Lahik, who was involved in a fatal car accident on Saturday night. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and the entire Windermere community during this incredibly difficult time. The sudden passing of a young life is an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to providing support for our students and staff as they navigate this grief. Counselors will be available for anyone in need of support. Please keep Sammy’s loved ones and the Windermere High School community in your thoughts as they mourn this profound loss.”

Officials have not yet released the names of the other people that died. The crash remains under investigation.