Boy Turning 18, 2 Friends Killed as Vehicle Hits Pole

Three teenage boys, celebrating the 18th birthday of one, were killed when their speeding car crashed into a power pole late Friday in Lancaster, authorities said.

The identity of only one was released: Jason Allison of Lancaster. Friday was his birthday. The other two boys were 16 to 18 years old, authorities said. All three were in a 1990 Mustang convertible, which Allison was driving.

On Friday, his friends gave him a surprise birthday party, which he had left to pick someone up when the accident happened at 95th Street West and Avenue K, his father said.

Family members described Allison as a teenager who took advantage of Southern California’s diverse topography -- fishing, dirt biking and surfing in the summer; snowboarding in the fall.

His father, Matthew Allison, recalled how he and his son would often ride motorcycles together and surf each summer for a week at Ventura County’s beaches.

“He had such a loving spirit,” said his mother, Diane Collins. “He was so respectful. He minded so well. He was my best friend.”

After graduating next year, he planned to study network engineering, following the career path of his father and older brother.

She said her home was filled with her son’s friends Saturday.

She recalled her last conversation with Jason -- in a chance call she made to give him her new cell phone number.

“Thank God I did,” she said. “I told him, ‘Have a happy birthday. Be safe. I love you.’ ”