By Dana Williams
McDonald, 17, was the front passenger of the vehicle and police announced that he had succumbed to his head injuries on April 11.
Family and friends at the funeral spoke of McDonald's kind personality, with many saying that he will always be remembered for his smile. Many tears were shed at the funeral for the teen who was an athlete at WHHS and who many said was an aspiring chef.
WHHS senior Saul Hernandez Lopez, 17, the rear passenger of the car, was also killed in the accident. Lopez's funeral was held on April 14 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead. The driver, Herbert Martinez, 17, also a senior at WHHS, is still recovering from head and chest injuries.
The three students were headed off WHHS's campus during their lunch break when, police said, Martinez's 2007 Mazda sedan spun out of control and crashed into a utility pole and dumpster full of concrete. Police said that Martinez was speeding and that witnesses said he tried to pass another before the car accident occurred. Martinez's car was totaled in the crash.
It has not been announced whether school officials will permanently ban its open campus lunch policy.
On April 11, the WHHS community gathered at the school to have a vigil for the three teens, with many recollecting stories about McDonald and Lopez. During the vigil, friends of both students spoke about their kind and admirable qualities.
McDonald is survived by his parents Tracey and Darren, and sisters Shawnna and Janae.
