Josy, Ada Kepley Obituary: Family and Friends Mourn the Loss of Archie Williams High School Students Who Died in West Marin Car Accident Near Woodacre
Woodacre, CA, April 2025 — The tight-knit communities of West Marin were shaken to their core this past weekend as friends, family members, and local residents gathered to mourn the heartbreaking loss of six teenage girls who tragically died in a devastating car accident near Woodacre. The accident, which occurred late on a Friday evening, left the community in mourning, as these bright young lives were suddenly and violently taken.
The accident took place along San Geronimo Valley Drive, a winding, rural road in Marin County, under the cover of towering trees. At around 7:30 PM, an SUV, carrying the six girls from Archie Williams High School, veered off the road, crashed into a tree, and then burst into flames. Three of the young women were pronounced dead at the scene. Another succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital. As of Saturday night, the driver and one other passenger remained in critical condition, fighting for their lives.
The names of the victims have not yet been officially released by authorities, as the families requested privacy during this unimaginable time of grief. However, those who knew them spoke fondly of the six girls, describing them as vibrant, full of life, and exceptionally talented. They were students who excelled in sports, academics, and the arts—bright futures ahead of them, now tragically cut short.
A Community in Shock
The tragedy struck not just the families of the victims, but the entire Marin County community. Woodacre, Fairfax, and the surrounding areas have been in a state of shock, with many residents struggling to comprehend the loss of these young women, who were beloved in their schools and neighborhoods.
“I can’t believe it,” said Leste Jackson, a resident of Woodacre who stood quietly at the crash site on Friday night, offering a bouquet of white lilies. “These girls were the heart of this community, always so full of life. It just doesn’t make sense.”
As the community gathered at a baseball field near downtown Fairfax on Saturday evening, hundreds of people joined in an emotional vigil to honor the victims. Friends, classmates, teachers, and neighbors stood together, many in tears, under the golden California sunset, sharing memories of the girls who had touched their lives in so many ways. The vigil was organized to provide an opportunity for the community to come together in their grief.
A particularly moving moment came when the crowd observed six minutes of silence—one minute for each of the young women lost. The candles flickered in the stillness, as those in attendance reflected on the tragic loss and what these girls meant to the community.
“We will hold on to the joy and the power of the presence they gave us while they were here,” said a local religious leader who spoke to the crowd. “Their spirit will live on, even though their physical presence is no longer with us.”
A Tribute to Lives Lost Too Soon
The girls, all students at Archie Williams High School, were known for their exuberant personalities and their commitment to their school and community. Friends and classmates remember them for their bright smiles, their sense of humor, and their passion for life. They were athletes, artists, and scholars, each with dreams and ambitions that they had yet to fulfill.
In the wake of the accident, the school has been offering counseling and support to students and faculty members, many of whom are grappling with the pain of losing not only classmates but close friends. Teachers described the victims as exceptional young women, each standing out in their own way for their dedication and kindness.
“They were such a big part of our school,” said one teacher. “It’s hard to believe they’re gone. They were bright stars, and the world was lucky to have them, even for just a short time.”
The Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
As of now, the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Authorities have not yet released any official statements regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash, though they have confirmed that speed and alcohol were not factors. CHP officials are working tirelessly to piece together the events of that tragic evening.
“We are doing everything we can to understand what happened,” said Officer Mike Ortiz of the CHP. “Our goal is to provide answers for the families and the community. This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we will work diligently to get to the bottom of it.”
Remembering the Victims
In the days following the crash, the community has been coming together to remember the victims and support their families. Memorials have been set up at various locations around town, including at the school, where students and faculty have left flowers, notes, and photos in tribute to the girls. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, as residents and classmates alike rally around the grieving families.
Local businesses have also been helping to support the victims’ families in their time of need, with many offering free meals, donations, and other assistance to those impacted by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues and the community processes its grief, one thing remains certain: the legacy of these young women will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. They were more than just students—they were friends, daughters, sisters, and community members who touched lives in ways that words can scarcely describe.
The family members of the victims, while deeply grateful for the outpouring of support, have requested privacy during this difficult time as they begin the long and painful process of mourning their loved ones.
In the face of such a tragedy, the community of West Marin has shown extraordinary strength and resilience. They are united in their grief, but also in their determination to remember the joy, love, and light that these young women brought to their lives.
The names of the victims, once released, will forever be etched into the memories of those who knew them. And as the community moves forward, it will carry the spirits of these six bright stars with them, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire for generations to come.
