Union City students return after death of classmates in crash

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- There is heartache at an East Bay high school after the weekend deaths of two students killed in a deadly freeway crash. It's a painful and somber first day back to school after the tragedy involving students of James Logan High school in Union City.

A memorial of candles and flowers at the school is paying tribute to the students. Three students were involved in the crash and two of them died. Grief counselors will be in classrooms to help students and staff cope.

"It's really hard just coming back to school on a day, like two days, after you found your friend has died," said Amanda Burlaza, student

RELATED: Students remember two teens killed in Hayward crash

It's anything but a normal day at school for students at James Logan high school in Union City. One of their classmates, Izaiah Mease, died in a car crash over the weekend. His passenger, former student Joe "Junior" Ioramo, was also killed. Their friend Izaiah Paopao is recovering at the hospital.

"It's hard to know that people like these two just are just up and gone just like that," said Tristyn Vingno, student.

Friends cry and comfort each other and pay respects by a memorial near the parking lot. Some showed up wearing t-shirts, saying "rest in paradise."

"Logan is such a diverse community and we all care about everybody in the school," said Burlaza.

RELATED: Family, friends in mourning after 2 James Logan High School students killed in Hayward crash

The crash happened early Sunday morning - The car Mease was driving collided with a pickup on I-880.

Grief counselors and social workers are on campus to provide extra support. This is the first time students and staff are back together because of the long holiday weekend.

"It is a loss for the entire community. These students were very well respected, very well liked. They have siblings, cousins, close family friends all throughout this district. This is going to effect almost all of our schools, if not all," said John Mattos, district spokesman.

Ioramo's first grade teacher started a GoFundMe page to help his family with funeral expenses. Click here to donate.