East Valley community mourns Saguaro High senior killed in car crash: 'Kind, thoughtful, fun'
The East Valley is mourning the loss of Adam Mychajliw, a senior at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale who died in a car accident last week.
Mychajliw, 17, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near Holbrook on Friday, as heavy snow and freezing temperatures continue to impact northern Arizona.
He and his girlfriend, Olivia, were on a ski trip during spring break, according to an online fundraiser organized by the community group East Valley Firefighter Charities.
"In an instant, Adam's life was taken, and Olivia now faces the long road to recovery," the fundraiser reads.
Mychajliw also leaves behind his parents, Mark and Joni, and his sister, Ella.
"Adam was a truly exceptional young man—talented, bright, athletic, and accomplished. Described as 'the most interesting man in the world—teenage version,' he was a senior at Saguaro High School, poised to graduate in May from the Math and Science Academy," the caption continues.
"A brilliant student with a natural aptitude for math, Adam would effortlessly solve problems and then playfully explain them to his classmates. His fun-loving nature, irrepressible smile, and joyful spirit brought light to all who crossed his path."
"Vibrant, kind, thoughtful, and fun, Adam had a gift for making others feel seen and appreciated."
A total of five people have died as a result of Friday's crash, according to Arizona's Department of Public Safety.
The other victims are Jeet Vikram, 34, of Ozone Park, New York; and Fort Collins, Colorado residents Sarah Broyel-Case, 50, Sophia Case, 17, and also Samuel Case, 51, who died in the hospital on Tuesday.
Two more people were injured, and one person survived unharmed, the department said.
Authorities' initial investigation suggested that the crash was a "chain reaction" that started when a commercial truck tractor and trailer rear-ended a Cadillac Escalade. It also involved a Jeep Wrangler and another commercial truck tractor and trailer.
The incident took place early Friday afternoon, going westbound on I-40 near milepost 294.
Mychajliw was going to graduate in May from Scottsdale's Math and Science Academy, an accelerated academic program. He was also involved in track, orchestra, and competitive biking, according to the fundraising page.
A vigil remembering Mychajliw will be held at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday. It will take place on the Saguaro High School football field.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: East Valley community grieves for high school senior killed in car crash
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