‘They were inseparable’: Surviving crash victim, family members speak on teens killed in rollover crash

JUAB COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The families of two teenagers killed in a high-speed rollover crash in Juab County are speaking on their loss and the legacies the teenagers leave behind. According to the Juab County Sheriff's Office, shortly after 6 p.m. on April 2, a Chevy Silverado pickup truck was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control and went off the road. The vehicle rolled multiple times, and all three occupants were ejected from the vehicle. One occupant, identified as a 15-year-old male, was pronounced dead on scene. The other two occupants, a 17-year-old female and another 15-year-old male, were transported to the hospital. The female was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second 15-year-old was critically injured. Family members have identified the teenagers as 17-year-old Ava Olivarez and 15-year-old Xander Hover. On Monday, their families provided a deeper insight into the crash. Aaron Olivarez, Ava's dad, also spoke on the third individual involved in the crash, identifying him as 15-year-old Corey Wayman and stating that they are all incredibly glad that he survived and is still here today. Due to the crash, Corey is dealing with a broken collarbone, a brain bleed, and injuries to his hand that required stitches. Despite this, he also spoke on the loss of his friends, saying, "I don't think it's fully hit me yet... I hate to think about it, they're my best friends." According to Corey, he spent every day with Xander and Ava, and they shared many of the same interests, including racing. Corey says that he hopes his friends will be remembered as the people he knew and spent all day with, "I just want Xander to be remembered for not giving up. Nothing got that kid down; he was always just happy and never let anything bug him." "Ava, her dedication to racing. We always mess around, but as soon as we got to the traffic, she'd say not to mess around, because she takes it so seriously," Corey said. "She doesn't mess with her brand. He added that he hopes to continue to speak on Ava and Xander's lives to honor them. He said, "It's a miracle that I'm standing here today, when the other two aren't. It doesn't seem possible." The family of Xander has started a GoFundMe to help support the funeral costs after their unexpected loss. In that GoFundMe, they described Xander as "more than just some kid". "Xander had a deep love for hunting, fishing, cars, and trucks- but more than anything, he loved being surrounded by his friends and family," the family said in the GoFundMe. "He was one of the most caring, adventurous, and driven young men you could ever meet." Xander Hover. Courtesy: GoFundMe Additionally, family stated "You always knew when Xander walked into a room. His presence was unforgettable. He had a way of making everyone laugh and feel at ease. If you ever needed help, Xander was the first to show up, never asking for anything in return and never complaining. On Monday, Jessie Hover, Xander's dad, said, "He was always just there- the light that everyone could stand on." "He was an extraordinary kid. We're learning now how impactful he was to everybody," Jessie continued. "He knew so many people and met so many people and was just loved by everybody. All three kids were. They were a part of everybody." "That brings me comfort, that they were all together," Jessie added. The family of Ava Olivarez has also spoken about the young life lost. According to a GoFundMe started by her family, Ava was a talented junior Drag Racer, starting just after she turned eight years old and bringing a passion to the track. "Her presence brought joy to everyone around her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and fellow racers," the GoFundMe states. "She was truly wise beyond her years and could not only keep up on the track but in any conversation." On Monday, Olivarez's family spoke with ABC4.com and gave a deeper insight into their loss. "It is unfathomable. It is the worst thing we can go through," said Aaron Olivarez. "The kids had made a quick trip to go see some friends, and we just never would have guessed that any of this could have happened." While law enforcement has said speed was a factor in the crash, Aaron says they have connected with nearby drivers and residents and believe the kids were not driving at excessive speeds. Aaron added that he was shocked to learn that Ava and the other kids were not wearing their seat belts, noting that they have always emphasized the importance of wearing them for safety. Regardless of the circumstances of the crash, Aaron said, "I don't know how I'm going to move on." In the time since the crash, Aaron says everyone in the racing community has come together to support the families of Ava and Xander and to support Cory in his recovery. He said, "As heartbreaking as this is, it's been absolutely amazing to feel the love and support of the racing community." Ava Olivarez. Via GoFundMe Now, Aaron hopes the racing community and public will remember Ava for exactly who she was: a champion. He added, "She was so good to people. She treated people so well and had a genuine love for people. And [her], Xander, and Cory, they were just inseparable."