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2 Winter Haven Teens Killed In Crash Were Best Friends

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 30, 2008

Updated: 12/30/2008 11:25 am

The two 17-year-old Winter Haven boys were best friends. They had attended Lake Region High School together, and they hung out every day.

On Monday night, Aldeir Mayorga and Troy Christopher Cockrum were returning from another night of socializing with friends when a car crash killed them both, Cockrum's mother said today.

"It happened not even a mile from our house," Sheila Cockrum said.

Mayorga lost control of the 2001 Nissan Altima the boys were in on State Road 540 at King Road about 10:20 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol said. The Altima rotated clockwise, traveled onto the south shoulder, struck a raised curb and hit a utility pole.

The Altima split in two from the impact, according to the highway patrol. Neither Mayorga nor Cockrum was wearing a seat belt.

The boys died at the scene.

Lake Region Principal Joel McGuire said the school will call in a crisis team from the district if needed and will have a moment of silence for the boys.

"That's a shocker to us," McGuire said of Cockrum and Mayorga. He said the school's thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Cockrum was a good, friendly, regular teenager who dreamed of being a professional skateboarder, Sheila Cockrum said. He participated in competitions in Tampa, Winter Haven and Plant City.

Mayorga attended Lake Region until Nov. 21. The sophomore had faced legal issues this year, including arrests on burglary and larceny charges.

His sister, 19-year-old Valerie Mayorga, said he was a good person at heart and was fun and full of life.

"He did make bad decisions, but … he's 17 years old, and he can be reckless like anyone else," she said.

The boys were best friends, she said.

"This is just so horrible," Cockrum said.

Researcher Michael Messano contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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