The Pima County Sheriff's Department said the single-vehicle crash happened just after 11 p.m. near East Skyline Drive and North Foothills Drive. When deputies arrived, they found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames with three people inside.

Sheriff's Traffic Unit detectives believe the 18-year-old driver lost control while navigating a westbound curve leading to North Foothills Drive. The vehicle hit a curb, came to rest in a ditch and then burst into flames, according to the department.

"Speed and impairment are believed to have been factors in the collision," sheriff's officials said, adding that the investigation is continuing.

The sheriff's department did not publicly name the victims, but Salpointe Catholic High School and the Diocese of Tucson identified them as 17-year-old Maddy Rea, 18-year-old Alex Schneider and 16-year-old Joel Slavin.

Bishop James A. Misko of the Diocese of Tucson issued a statement expressing grief and calling on the faithful to pray for the students and their families.

"As people, we grieve; but as people of faith, we grieve with the sure hope that God will not abandon us to face our difficulties alone," Misko said. "I ask the faithful to join me in praying for the repose of the souls of these young people and for God's comfort, strength, and peace to be with their families, loved ones, and the entire school community during this time of sadness."

Diocese officials said grief counselors and additional support resources would be available Monday at Salpointe Catholic High School for students, faculty and staff.

The crash has shaken the close-knit Catholic school community on Tucson's north side, where the three students were known to classmates and teachers. The loss comes as families and school leaders prepare for the difficult task of supporting one another through the coming days and weeks.

The sheriff's investigation remains open, and authorities have not said whether any additional factors beyond speed and impairment are being examined.