Teachers and classmates remembered a 16-year-old Walnut High School senior who was killed in a car crash Thursday — the day before her 17th birthday — as an intelligent and compassionate girl who spent her free time giving to the community.

Here’s excerpts from a developing story from reporter Thomas Himes:

A 16-year-old girl died and three other teenagers were injured Thursday in a car crash on Grand Avenue in Industry, authorities said.
Jessica Hwang, a Walnut High school senior sustained fatal injuries when the car she was riding in was forced off the road.
“You don’t think about things like this, especially at the peak, going in to senior year,” classmate Melissa Pryor said.
A helicopter flew 16-year-old Michelle Lin and 17-year-old Esther Hong to Los Angeles County Hospital, after firefighters freed her from the wreckage. The 17-year-old male driver was treated for minor injuries at Pomona Valley Medical Center.
“Jessica, Michelle and Esther were inseparable,” Walnut High school teacher Rober Sandoval said. “They knew how to balance academics with extra-curricular activities.”
Hwang and Lin were outstanding students at Walnut High School, where they participated in the International Baccalaureate program.
Hwang volunteered for a number of community service programs. As a member of Interact she provided companionship to the elderly residents of ParkVista at Morningside, and tutored children at Vejar and Collegewood elementary schools.