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Danville High School Senior Killed, 2 Hurt In Crash On Eve Of 1st Day Of Class

DANVILLE (CBS SF) -- San Ramon Valley High School student Robert Orlando was riding in a car with two friends in Danville on their way home from a fishing trip when his life was cut short in a sudden crash.

The 17-year-old was scheduled to begin his senior year Tuesday and wanted to go fishing—one of his many passions—one last time before the school year started, said longtime family friend Richard Hein.

"He had more passion, more energy and more gregariousness by far than your average person or average two people," said Hein. "He just had a zest and a presence."

Around 8:50 p.m. Monday, Robert and his two friends, also 17-year-old San Ramon Valley High seniors, were heading north on El Capitan Drive near Claridge Drive when, for unknown reasons, the car went off of the roadway and struck a tree.

Emergency responders took Robert to San Ramon Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said the driver suffered broken ribs and the second passenger suffered a broken leg in the crash. Both were listed in stable condition Tuesday at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash, which remains under investigation, according to police.

Robert is survived by his parents and two brothers. The family is shocked and devastated by the loss, Hein said.

On Tuesday, some 50 community members visited the family's Danville home, he said.

Meanwhile, flowers, cards and other tokens were accumulating at a makeshift memorial at the site of the crash Tuesday. A memorial service will likely take place sometime next week.

The family asks that any friends who wish to send messages, or photos or videos of Robert email them to weloverobert2013@gmail.com.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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