Two teen brothers died in a car accident this week, just days before one was set to graduate at Morningside High School. David and Hector Ceja, 17 and 15, died after the car they were in collided with another vehicle Tuesday night in Playa Del Rey, authorities said. The Inglewood Unified School District identified the two teens this week.
A framed photo of a smiling David, dressed in his red graduation cap and gown, was placed among the rows of seated graduates at the ceremony. The mood at the graduation was somber as his family received his diploma on his behalf. The school held a moment of silence for the “fallen monarchs,” the school’s mascot. Three doves were released during the ceremony in honor of the brothers. “This is devastating,” Morningside High School Principal Kiwiana Cain said during the commencement ceremony.