CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – A 17-year-old driver accused in a fatal crash in Coral Springs is now facing several charges.
Eric Abraham appeared in court Friday by phone and was transferred back to a hospital from juvenile detention because of his broken leg and possibly dislocated hip.
Meanwhile, Local 10 News heard from more former students of the beloved teacher who was killed in the crash.
Students attending Coral Springs Elementary are on winter break, but it’s anything but a happy vacation. Their hearts are saddened by the loss of a teacher they said was always so supportive and happy in the classroom.
Local 10 News spoke to one boy who said Christianne Weiner got him new glasses after she found out that his broke.
Speaking about Mrs. Weiner was difficult for Jermaine Burington. She taught him in the fourth grade last year and remained very close to him and his family.
"She was like a mom to me," Jermaine said.
Weiner was awarded Teacher of the Year and touched the lives of numerous students. Jermaine said she would often give him advice when it came to others being mean to him. He said when she found out his eyeglasses broke, she bought him a new pair because his family couldn't afford to do so.
"Mrs. Weiner said, 'What happened to your glasses?' A week later, she got them on Friday and then I thanked her," Jermaine said. "That made me happy."
Weiner's death is also tough for Jasmine Fernandez. She said that she saw Weiner days before the crash and now can't believe she's gone.
"I was shocked because I just saw her at the mall a few days ago," Fernandez said. "She was excited that she saw me. I gave her a big hug."
Weiner died Tuesday morning. Authorities said she was at the intersection of Sample Road and Northwest 101st Avenue with her 11-year-old son when the driver of a stolen Toyota ran a red light and slammed into her car.
Coral Springs police said that driver, Abraham, faces several charges, including vehicular homicide. He was denied bond and is currently hospitalized for his injuries.
Police said three other teens were in the stolen car, including 18-year-old Tyree Goodwin.
Weiner's son remains in the intensive care unit at Broward Health Medical Center. A GoFundMe page was created for anyone who wants to donate to her family.