LAKE FOREST – The overturned Chevrolet Tracker, the bloodied prom-goer lying on the hood of another car, parents rushing to the scene.
Though it was all staged – part of El Toro High School's annual Every 15 Minutes event – it hit all too close to home for many of the school's upper classmen.
The two-day event – put on for the high school's juniors and seniors – included a mock crash, a "grim reaper" who plucked 22 students from classrooms simulating their death and hysterical parents. An assembly at which letters from the "dead" students were read brought many to tears.
As did the story told by Ed and Mingie Sirignano, who's son Brent – an El Toro High senior – was critically injured in a car crash on Feb. 6. The Sirignanos spoke about the aftermath of the accident, and its effect on their son and their family and friends.
Brent Sirignano was put into a medically induced coma at CHOC at Mission following the accident and has undergone a series of surgeries since then. He was brought out of the coma in early March, and later that month was moved from the critical care unit to a room on the same floor in pediatrics. He was released in mid-April and is now undergoing rehabilitation at St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
In late March police said blood tests of Parker Kalmen, the driver of the car in which Brent Sirignano was a passenger, came back positive for THC, a chemical compound in marijuana. No other drugs or alcohol were found in Kalmen's system, police said.
The sheriff's department is concluding its investigation and will pass it to the District Attorney's Office, which will decide if there is enough evidence to press charges, said Lt. Mike Gavin.
Jamie Patton, 17, a close friend of Brent Sirignano, spoke with the Register about the mock DUI event and how it affected him.
Q. What impacted you most about the Every 15 Minute program?
A. The car crash. It showed how terrible the event would be and how a poor choice by a friend can end lives. Even though you know it's a show where they bring the fire department, the police and medics, it's exactly like a real car crash. I was deeply upset. It was emotional. Those two days are a very eye-opening experience.
Q. Have you been involved with the program before?
A. They only do it every other year. I've seen videos before. I witnessed a couple people taken out by the "grim reaper." I'd only seen small parts of it.
Q. How was this year different?
A. This year was my first year with the assembly and car crash. Seeing my good friend, Brent, going through this made it harder. They make the program real for the parents, too. I'm hurting for my friend and for Brent's family. It was terrible for his whole family.
Q. What impact did it have on other students?
A. I think for everyone who knows Brent, it's harder. I hope everyone takes this seriously because it can happen to you. It doesn't matter how smart you are, no one is invincible.
Q. Do you think kids that drink (alcohol) and/or smoke pot might stop doing that because of what happened to Brent?
A. Kids will do what they do. I can't say all people who drink and smoke will stop. I hope they take it more seriously. Why would they take the chance?
Q. What is Brent's situation now?
A. He's still in rehabilitation at St. Jude's. He is doing better. He's a very strong kid and he's a fighter. He walks with a walker and he's eating by himself. He recognized me and even called me on the phone. He tells us how much he misses us and we tell him how we miss and love him. The last time I talked to him, he seemed more excited and in good spirits.
Christine & Jack
The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest