In Loving Memory of Enrique Rodriguez Sabas (17) Julio Lopez (17) and Leyner Velasquez (13)
APOPKA, Fla. — The community of Apopka is heartbroken after a devastating tragedy early Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, claimed the lives of three young boys in a horrific rollover crash. Authorities have identified the victims as 17-year-old Enrique Rodriguez Sabas, 17-year-old Julio Lopez, and 13-year-old Leyner Velasquez — three vibrant, kind-hearted boys whose lives were cut short far too soon.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday along a rural stretch of road in northwest Orange County. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle the boys were traveling in lost control for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway, and overturned several times before coming to rest along the shoulder. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, all three teens were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are continuing to determine what caused the vehicle to lose control, though speed and road conditions are being reviewed as possible contributing factors.
The news of the tragedy spread rapidly across Apopka, a close-knit community that now finds itself united in grief and disbelief. For many, it is almost impossible to comprehend how a normal weekend night ended in such unbearable loss. Friends, classmates, and teachers have flooded social media with messages of love, remembrance, and heartbreak, describing the boys as bright, joyful, and full of potential.
Enrique Rodriguez Sabas, 17, was known for his infectious smile and friendly personality. Those who knew him say he loved soccer, music, and spending time with his friends. A student with a passion for sports, he often played pickup games at local fields and dreamed of pursuing athletics beyond high school. “He was the kind of person who brought people together,” one classmate wrote. “There was never a dull moment when Enrique was around.”
Julio Lopez, also 17, was described as quiet but full of heart — a loyal friend and devoted son. Teachers remember him as hardworking and respectful, a young man who was always willing to help others. Friends say he had a knack for making people laugh and a gentle nature that made him easy to love. “Julio had such a big heart,” one family friend shared. “He always looked out for others and wanted everyone to be okay.”
The youngest victim, 13-year-old Leyner Velasquez, was a middle school student with dreams as big as his spirit. Friends and relatives remember him as energetic and full of curiosity, a boy who loved video games, soccer, and spending time with his older cousins. “He was everyone’s little brother,” said one relative. “He looked up to the older boys so much, and they took care of him. They were like family.”
In the aftermath of the crash, grief counselors have been made available at the schools the boys attended, as classmates and teachers struggle to process the sudden and heartbreaking loss. Vigils have been organized throughout Apopka, with hundreds gathering to light candles, release balloons, and pray for the boys’ families. The scene of the crash has since become a makeshift memorial — covered in flowers, photos, crosses, and handwritten notes expressing love and sorrow.
Community leaders and faith groups have also come forward to support the grieving families. Fundraisers have been launched to assist with funeral costs, quickly gaining widespread attention and support from people near and far who were touched by the tragedy. “We can’t imagine the pain these families are going through,” one organizer said. “The least we can do is surround them with love and help them through this unbearable time.”
For the residents of Apopka, this tragedy is more than a headline — it’s a wound that cuts deep into the heart of the community. The loss of three young lives, filled with promise and potential, has left many reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
As the investigation continues, what remains certain is the legacy Enrique, Julio, and Leyner leave behind: a legacy of friendship, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten. Their names will echo in the halls of their schools, on the soccer fields they once played on, and in the hearts of all who knew them.
The Apopka community now grieves together — mourning three young souls gone too soon, but holding tightly to their memory and to one another as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
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