Two teens killed, one injured in Portsmouth wreck

PORTSMOUTH

A teen soccer player known for her colorful hair and even more colorful personality knew how to make her teammates laugh. On Saturday, she left many of them in tears.

Dallas Newbill, a 16-year-old junior at Wilson High School, was one of two girls from the school killed when the car they were riding in swerved off the road and slammed into a telephone pole. A third occupant was hospitalized.

Police hadn’t yet released the names of the victims in the wreck that occurred after midnight Saturday on Elmhurst Lane near Victory Boulevard, but word spread quickly among their classmates. By midday Saturday, dozens of memorials had been posted online and at the crash site.

Jacquelyn Luther, 16, also died in the wreck, according to friends, and 17-year-old Jojo Gargaro was hospitalized. A police spokeswoman wouldn’t confirm the names Saturday evening.

Officials would only say a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were ejected when their red Volvo hit several trees and a utility pole. Another 16-year-old girl was pinned inside the car, police said. Both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The male was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

It’s believed speed was a factor and the crash remains under investigation, police spokeswoman Jan Westerbeck said. Because two passengers were ejected, it’s unclear who was driving, she said. The car was registered to a family member of the male occupant, she said.

Katelyn Tisdel, 17, had played on a traveling soccer team with Newbill. She and other players wept Saturday when their coach called to tell them their former teammate was dead. The new season starts next month.

“Walking onto the pitch without her will be one of the hardest things,” Tisdel said, sobbing. “She was such a big part of the team.”

Natalie Wirt, 16, another teammate on the Western Branch Soccer Club’s elite traveling team, said Newbill had a fun personality. Teammates used to place weekly bets on what color her hair would be when they returned to practice, Wirt said.

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” Wirt said.

Dave Jernigan coached Newbill’s team the past few seasons. He spent the day calling parents to let them know she had died.

“The girls are taking it hard,” Jernigan said. “Dallas had a great personality. She was funny. Just kept everyone going.”

Jernigan said he’ll never forget the look of excitement on Newbill’s face after she scored a game-winning goal against another elite team last year in Newport News. “She was elated. It was a high point, probably one of the highest points in her ...”

The coach’s voice trailed off. He choked back tears then composed himself.

“She’s gone too soon.”