The Forsyth Central High School community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old who was killed in a single-vehicle wreck early Saturday.
Peter Ian Roberts was a senior at the school in Cumming, where he was scheduled to graduate in May with at least a 4.1 grade-point average.
Roberts, who planned to attend the University of North Georgia in the fall, died after his 1995 Toyota Avalon struck a brick mailbox on Sawnee Drive near Jackson Drive, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Central Principal Rudy Hampton said school staff and students “are heartbroken over the passing of Peter,” adding that additional counselors were on hand Monday to help students deal with the loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,” said Hampton in a statement. “You couldn't find a better young man than Peter.”
Roberts was the second Central senior to die in a car crash this school year.
Marimar Alavarez, also 17, was killed Sept. 8 after she "lost control" of the 1995 Monte Carlo she was driving in a curve on Spot Road, causing it to flip and hit a tree.
The crash involving Roberts occurred about 12:36 a.m. Saturday as he was traveling west on Sawnee and “lost control and overcorrected,” said Trooper Mark Cox with the state patrol.
“The Avalon rotated clockwise, traveled off the north shoulder and struck a brick mailbox with the driver’s door,” he said.
According to his obituary, Roberts’ immediate survivors include his parents and five siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at The Vine Community Church, where Roberts was a member. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McDonald and Son Funeral Home.
On its social media page, the church posted that Roberts was an “amazing young man.”
“Peter always had a smile on his face and lived a life of a true follower of Jesus by always serving others before himself,” the post continued. “You will be missed.”
According to school officials, Roberts was vice president of the Euro Club and a member of the Beta Club for high-achieving students. He also played ultimate Frisbee after school and was a former member of Boy Scout Troop 245.
“He was the type of person that you would want your kids to have as a best friend or for your daughter to bring home as her future husband,” Hampton said. “They don't get much better than Peter. He was a remarkable person.”
Staff writer Alyssa LaRenzie contributed to this report.