Sources tell NBC News that investigators are considering everything -- including a suicide pact -- as they investigate the cause of the Thursday's deadly car crash that killed three friends in the tight knit community of Pine Beach, New Jersey.
No one was wearing seatbelts. There were no skid marks and the Hyundai the victims were in sped down the lone road that leads to Pine Beach Elementary School at such a high rate of speed early Thursday morning that it left a gaping 6-foot-by-6-foot hole in the brick wall.
"He seemed so happy. I hope they're wrong," said Cameron Banasiak, a friend of Matthew Budesa.
Budesa, the 20-year-old son of Pine Beach Councilman Robert Budesa, was behind the wheel. Kimberly VanGorden, 20, was in the front passenger seat and Matthew Wtizgall, 21, was in the back.
"Everything is being investigated at this point. We have three young people dead. We're investigating every avenue," said Deputy Chief Michael Mohel from the Ocean County Prosecutor's office.
The crash happened sometime between 4:30 am and 7 a.m.
"Sources close to the case say police found illegal street drugs inside the car, unclear if the victims were under the influence when they barreled through the wall," according to NBC News reporter Jeff Rossen.
Investigators are awaiting toxicology results before determining if drugs and alcohol were involved.
Grief counselors were at the elementary school on Friday.
"This is very bizarre," said Cherie Healy a neighbor of Mathew's. "Really, really sad. I feel bad for the family. They're really nice people. . . He used to be outside all the time. He's a nice kid. Really, really sad."
"You never expect anything like this to happen in our little town," mayor Christopher Boyle told The Star-Ledger.
A vigil was held Friday night at the Children's Memorial Park in Tom's River in memory of the victims.
"It's just a complete shock," said Donna Riccardi, a friend of Matthew.
"Matt was such a great guy. I have no idea how this could have happened to him or the other two for that matter."
