Liberty High student-athletes killed in Antioch crash; driver identified

Key points

• Two 17-year-old males, identified as Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari and Caden Kyle, died at the scene of a crash between a silver Infiniti and a white BMW near Deer Valley Road and Balfour Road at 12:11 a.m. on September 13, 2026.
• The third occupant of the Infiniti, James Harper, a Liberty High student-athlete from Brentwood, survived with serious injuries. The driver of the BMW also sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
• Antioch Police Sgt. Rob Green confirmed there was no police chase prior to the crash, dispelling social media rumors. He stated that neither deceased boy was the driver of the Infiniti; Harper was the driver.
• Liberty High Principal Efa Huckaby confirmed the deaths and injuries, noting that at least one victim was a student-athlete. Additional counselors were sent to the campus to support the school community.
• Online fundraisers have been established for the families of the deceased and the survivor. As of September 15, 2026, over $80,000 had been raised across multiple platforms to support medical recovery and funeral expenses.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of fatal traffic collisions involving young people in the region. In August 2026, two Milligan University cyclists were killed in a crash in Tennessee, and earlier in September, two pedestrians were injured in hit-and-run collisions in the East Bay. The current crash occurred in an area where Antioch police were already investigating other traffic incidents, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the community.

How outlets are covering it

The Mercury News and The Press reported the initial details, focusing on the victims' status as Liberty High student-athletes and the lack of immediate cause for the crash. The Contra Costa Herald provided the most detailed updates, including the names of the deceased (Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari and Caden Kyle) and the survivor (James Harper), as well as clarifying that the crash was not a police chase. While The Mercury News noted uncertainty about speed or alcohol, the Contra Costa Herald emphasized the investigation into negligence and the rapid identification of victims through social media and police statements. All sources agree on the core facts of the collision and the involvement of Liberty High students.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing risks of nighttime driving in the East Bay and the impact of fatal accidents on local school communities. The rapid identification of victims and the mobilization of community support through online fundraisers reflect the strong bonds within the Liberty High and Discovery Bay communities. The investigation into negligence may lead to changes in traffic safety measures or driver education programs in the area.

What to watch

Antioch Police are continuing to investigate the crash for potential negligence. They are urging witnesses to come forward with dashcam or surveillance footage. The families of the deceased and the survivor are expected to receive further support as the investigation progresses and the community continues to rally around them.