Friends and Family Remember Teens Killed in Burnsville Crash

Friends and family are remembering the two teens killed in a car crash Tuesday afternoon in Burnsville. Both were students at Lakeville South High school.

Witnesses told investigators a car was speeding and swerving before it crashed, killing the two teens and injuring three others.

Sixteen-year-old Frederick Alexander of Burnsville was pronounced dead on the scene. The other teen, 17-year-old Alesha Roehl from Northfield, was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center where she died. Investigators do not believe either was wearing a seatbelt.

"She was a happy person and she loved a lot of people and she was there for you when you needed her the most," said Alesha's friend Tessa Bradach.

"He was in the band. He sang. He loved music," said Frederick's older sister Gabby McClenney. "He's my heart. That's like my baby. We were only 4 years apart. It really hurt."

The State Patrol says a Toyota Camry carrying five teenagers was driving south on Buck Hill Road, parallel to Interstate 35, around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday when the driver lost control, went off the road, rolled several times down an embankment, through a fence, into a guardrail and onto the interstate near County Road 46. Two people were ejected from the car.

"Don't have more than one person in the car. Always wear a seatbelt. Just be safe in the car. A seatbelt, it can save your life, and it can take it," McClenney said.

The State Patrol says the 17-year-old Lakeville boy who was driving the car and two 16-year-old male passengers received minor injuries in the crash. The State Patrol has not released their names.

Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash. The posted speed limit on Buck Hill Road is 40 mph. Witnesses say the car was going much faster than that, but investigators have not narrowed down exactly how fast it was going. There was no indication alcohol played a role, but that will be part of their investigation.

A fund has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for Frederick Alexander.  Donations can be made to to the Fred Alexander Memorial Fund at any U.S. Bank branch location.

Alesha Roehl's mother tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS a benefit in her daughter's honor will be held in Lakeville in October.