Rolling Hills Running Back Hurt, Passenger Killed in Auto Accident

Robert Coulter, an All-Southern Section running back for Rolling Hills High, escaped serious injury in an auto accident in which a female schoolmate was killed.

Brady Grasinger, 15, died of injuries suffered when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the back of a 1985 BMW driven by Coulter, 17, as it waited for a traffic signal in Redondo Beach shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday, Redondo Beach police said.

Grasinger, a passenger in the back seat, was taken to South Bay Hospital in Redondo Beach, where she died about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, police said. Coulter and another passenger, Jennifer Wright, 15, were treated for minor injuries.

Coulter suffered a twisted left ankle Friday in a 45-20 Ocean League loss to Palos Verdes. He said he aggravated the injury and suffered bruises in the accident, which occurred as the three high school friends were returning home.

“I’m pretty sad,” Coulter said. “You think it couldn’t happen to you, but it happens. It’s scary. It still seems unreal.”

Police arrested Raul Sanchez Ramirez, 27, of Lawndale at the scene. He was booked at Redondo Beach jail on suspicion of felony drunk driving and held in lieu of $25,000 bail. Police said Ramirez was driving with a license that had been suspended because he did not have car insurance.

Coulter, a senior who has rushed for 1,478 yards and 11 touchdowns, watched football practice Monday. He said he was unsure if he will be able to play in Rolling Hills’ Division VIII playoff opener. The Titans (6-4) will play at Temecula Valley (7-3) either Friday or Saturday night.