Johnson County teens die in crash leaving prom: ‘Worst nightmare,’ family says
Mauricio Guerra was laying on his bed Saturday night when he heard his mother scream his name. On her phone was a notification from the Life360 app, saying his sister, Itzel Guerra, had been in an accident.
He remembers arriving at the scene and running towards the crash, until he was stopped by police.
“It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, losing a child, especially their only daughter,” he said of the fatal wreck’s impact on their mom and their entire family. “But surprisingly, our faith has come in so strong for us that we have a peace with (her) passing... not only because we know she’s in a better place, but we know that everyone has a time — we just never expected for hers to be this early.”
Itzel Guerra was in the passenger seat Saturday night when the fatal car crash happened. Jose Placensia Castañeda, 17, was driving south on U.S. 69 near 58th Street in Overland Park when they crossed a raised median and hit another vehicle head-on, according to police. Placensia Castañeda was picking up Guerra from the prom when they died.
The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and their passenger had minor injuries.
Remembering the two Shawnee Mission South teens
Jose Placensia Castañeda, Itzel Guerra’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, didn’t go to the prom, but drove from home to pick her up. Family say the two Shawnee Mission South High School students were extremely close, and are not surprised he was the one she called.
“It’s complicated, especially when you’re 17 and 18,” said Bre’Onna Shockley, Itzel Guerra’s aunt. “(But) that boy loved the crap out of her.”
For prom, Itzel Guerra wore a bright blue dress, looking like a princess, which according to her brother, is how they will forever remember her.
“Her mom gotta spend the last day with her doing what every mother wishes that they could do, which is getting her dressed for her prom, her last dance...,” Shockley said.
Itzel Guerra was described has having a beautiful and outgoing soul, with a love for dancing, beauty pageants, singing and vampires. She was set to graduate in May, and had planned on going to Johnson County Community College to study early childhood development in hopes of maybe one day owning her own daycare.
In November, Itzel Guerra got a bright red 2006 Chevy Cruz for her 18th birthday. It’s a moment her brother will always treasure — her with her dress and tiara on, celebrating moving into adulthood with her new wheels.
“When she saw that car, her face lit up like nothing else before,” he said.
Mauricio Guerra read a statement out loud written by his father that was addressed to Itzel Guerra,” You’re our angel, and we will always be together, like you never left. You looked so beautiful on your prom night. And I hope you read this message and I hope you read the message that I sent you that night reminding you about how special and beautiful you are,” he said. “I love you, Mija.”
Itzel Guerra and Jose Placensia Castañeda first got together Fourth of July weekend, her aunt remembered, and were very close.
Mauricio Guerra recalled hearing his sister had a boyfriend, and said he pictured a taller, older guy — then met Jose, who was always happy and shy. He remembered Placensia Castañeda walking into some of his classes and trying to befriend him, and is now comforted by the fact that the two will forever be together.
“He would not miss a chance to be with that girl,” Mauricio Guerra said.
Raul Palencias described his younger brother as a sweet kid who always put others before himself. He was hoping to graduate a semester early in December, and was thinking about pursuing a career in welding or management.
Palencias said he will miss their nightly routine, which included Placensia Castañeda busting through the door to talk and mess with his older brother.
Palencias said he would always know when his brother was around because of his love of Prince Royce, a Dominican-American artist.
“You could hear him get home just blasting music,” he said.
Funds to help families
After his brother’s death, Palencias published a GoFundMe to help his parents in their effort to bury his brother in Mexico. Since his passing, the family has been flooded with messages about Placensia Castañeda, and what an amazing and kind person he was.
“Jose was only 17, full of light‑hearted mischief and always ready to make you laugh. We were so close growing up that people often mistook us for twins. I love you, little bro,” Palencias said in the post.
A family friend of the Guerra’s created a spotfund post for Itzel Guerra’s funeral costs.
“Itzel was beautiful and full of life her favorite movie was the Corpse Bride. She had the best sense of humor and will be deeply missed,” the post said.
A memorial event for Guerra will take place April 26 at 2 p.m. at 436 Norton Ave in Kansas City. A date for Palencia Castañeda’s service has not been finalized yet.
This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM.
