Teens Killed In Nevada County Crash Were On Their Way To Work

NEVADA COUNTY (CBS13) — Two teens are being remembered by their family and community after they died in a crash along Highway 49 on Thursday.

CBS 13 has learned Joe Rantz and Jude Douden were on their way to work after school when they lost control in the rain and crashed.

Candles lit up the courtyard where Seniors Joe Rantz and Jude Doude once walked. The community came together as one to give their condolences to both families.

"Everyone really loved them," said one man who knew the pair.

Joe and Jude were best friends.
They worked together at Joe's family business delivering furniture and were on their way to work Thursday, when the crash happened along a rain-slicked Highway 49.

Joe's grandfather tells CBS 13 how his daughter became concerned when her son was late and didn't answer his phone.

"My daughter was worried that her son wasn't there, why was he late? She located him on the phone and he was at the accident site."

Both families say they are still shocked and numb.

"You wish you can hit the rewind button and wake up from a bad dream," said Joe's grandfather.

Raw emotions also hit the people who knew the young men.

"Jude was like a little brother to me."

Conor Manka was in band with Jude, and described him as a talented musician with a bright future.
He regrets not saying goodbye.

"I was talking to him a few days ago because I just graduated last year, and we were gonna hang out out and catch up but we just never had the chance," Manka said.

Joe's friends remember him as the athletic one.
They say he was dedicated and passionate about playing baseball, and had plans to pursue the sport in college.

"He inspired me my freshman year and helped me stay positive throughout my years of playing baseball," said one student who used to play baseball with Joe.

Two best friends known to be on the quiet side, still able to touch so many lives.

"It just breaks my heart to see everyone this sad I wish I had gotten to know them," said another student.

There was a jazz performance at Bear River High School Friday night in the young mens' honor.
The proceeds from that performance will go to both families.