California High School Football Player Calvin Etter, 17, Killed in High-Speed Crash

A standout California high school football player just 17-year-olds tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash in South Orange County.

Seventeen year-old Dana Hills High School junior Calvin Etter died in the crash.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received emergency calls around 1:18 a.m. reporting a crash on the southbound side of the SR-241 Toll Road, near the Antonio Parkway overpass in Rancho Santa Margarita. According to witness accounts and published reports, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck a crash cushion—commonly referred to as a “pillow”—located near the center divider.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Etter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Etter, who wore jersey No. 76 for the Dana Hills Dolphins, was listed as a 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive end and tackle on the team roster. More than just an athlete, he was an active member of the school community and was known among peers for his dedication and leadership.

Due to the severity of the crash, CHP called in specialized towing services and aerial thermal imaging support using FLIR technology to survey the area. Cleanup teams worked for hours to clear a significant amount of debris, and portions of the toll road remained closed during the investigation.

Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the crash. A GoFundMe was created by the family to help pay for funeral expenses. You can donate here if interested.