Itzel Guerra and José Placensia Castañeda die in fatal Shawnee Mission, Kansas, crash

Itzel Guerra and José Placensia Castañeda die in fatal Shawnee Mission, Kansas, crash

Fatal Shawnee Mission, Kansas, crash death of Itzel Guerra and José Placensia Castañeda – Obituary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Itzel Guerra, 18, and José Placensia Castañeda, 17, both students from Shawnee Mission South High School, tragically died on April 19, 2025, after a fatal crash on Metcalf Avenue near 58th Street. The two were leaving prom when Placensia lost control of his Toyota Corolla, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a Kia Optima. Neither Guerra nor Placensia were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Guerra, known for her playful personality and love of dance, had dreams of studying child development. Placensia was remembered by his family as a kind-hearted and mischievous individual. The crash also left the driver and passenger of the Kia with serious and minor injuries, respectively. The investigation is ongoing.