ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Saturday night crash in South Orange County has left four people dead, including a Windermere High School senior whose funeral service was held Monday night.

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 is Windermere High School Senior Sammy Lahik

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

According to a Florida Highway Patrol’s report, the two-car crash happened on Central Florida Parkway 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.

The vehicles collided and veered off the road with the Camry hitting a pole and then several trees and the BMW also striking trees.

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

One of the four victims was 18-year-old Sammy Lahik, a senior at Windermere High School. 

Hundreds of people showed up to the funeral service, or a Janazah, for Lahik at the Islamic Center of Orlando. The Janazah included a community prayer for Lahik and his family at the Mosque and was 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 whole future ahead.

Spectrum News 13 was told that Lahik was riding with two of his friends on their way to play soccer after praying at the ICO for Ramadan.

One of Lahik’s best friends, Zakaria Taheri, described him as a genuinely kind person who had a charisma and charm that attracted people to him. 

Taheri shared that Lahik had a full academic scholarship to attend Duke University and was excited about starting his new job before he left for school.

“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 says that it gave him comfort to see that hundreds of people show up for his friend's Janazah.

Taheri says that 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 be offering grief counselors for those that need support.

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez issues 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."

 The crash is still under investigation.