Cedar Rapids police identify drivers in Dec. 1 crash that killed 4

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Seventeen days after a crash killed four people -- two teens and a mother and son -- police announced Monday who was driving each of the two vehicles that collided, but said the cause of the crash is yet undetermined.

The fatal crash happened about 10 p.m. Dec. 1 on C Street SW between Thomas Edison Boulevard and Beth Page Drive. Police later released the names of the people who died: Casey Krager, 18, of Davenport, Carter Cooper, 18, of Bettendorf, Ruta Tekeste, 52, of Cedar Rapids and a 13-year-old who was not identified. The teen was identified on an online fundraising page as Tekeste’s son, Bruk Yonas Mehari.

Monday, police revealed the crash involved a 2006 Chevrolet Impala driven by Cooper and a 2010 Honda Pilot driven by Tekeste.

“Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the accident as toxicology reports are still pending. The investigation is ongoing and no other information is available at this time,” the police news release states.

In an earlier interview, public safety spokesperson Mike Battien said speed was believed to be a factor in the crash.

A GoFundMe page started on behalf of Tekeste and Mehari’s family has been closed after raising almost $60,000.

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