Gabriel Cooper, Nasir Youk Obituary, Death – A somber memorial continues to grow at the scene of a tragic car crash in Limerick Township, where three teenagers lost their lives following a police chase. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has identified the victims as Gabriel Cooper, Nasir Youk, and Saniyah Newsuan. All three were 17 years old and died from blunt force trauma, as confirmed by the coroner’s office.
Authorities say the crash occurred on Tuesday night at around 9:15 p.m. on the 300 block of Ridge Pike. The car involved was believed to have been fleeing from police moments after a reported theft at a nearby store. Just minutes before the collision, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Limerick Township Police had responded to a 911 call reporting a suspected theft at the Target store located on Ridge Pike in Royersford.
When police arrived at the scene of the alleged crime, they attempted to pull over a vehicle thought to be connected to the incident. However, the driver did not comply and instead sped off. Shortly afterward, the vehicle crashed with great force, resulting in the deaths of the three teens. A fourth individual, a 15-year-old boy who is believed to have been driving the car, was critically injured in the crash and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Two of the teens who died were currently attending Owen J. Roberts High School, while the third had previously been enrolled there. In the aftermath of the tragedy, school officials reached out to students, families, and faculty with a message of sympathy. The school district also announced that grief counselors would be made available to help the community cope with the heartbreaking loss.
The Montgomery County detectives are now handling the investigation into the deadly crash. As part of the ongoing inquiry, authorities are examining body camera recordings, dashcam footage, and other forms of evidence to understand the circumstances that led to the pursuit and subsequent accident. One focus of the investigation is determining whether officers adhered to police pursuit protocols during the incident.
In the days following the crash, a roadside memorial has taken shape at the site of the collision. Community members have been visiting the spot to pay their respects, bringing flowers, candles, balloons, and stuffed animals to honor the lives lost. Friends, schoolmates, and neighbors have also gathered at the location, sharing stories and memories of the teens and offering one another support during this time of mourning.
To further honor the three young victims, a balloon release is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Spring City. This gesture will give family members, friends, and the broader community an opportunity to come together and remember Gabriel, Nasir, and Saniyah.
The tragic event has left the community shaken, as residents struggle to process the sudden and violent loss of three young lives. The investigation is ongoing, with many questions still unanswered about the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. For now, the growing memorial stands as a symbol of grief, remembrance, and unity for a community in mourning.