It happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at South Cedar Crest Boulevard and North Street in Emmaus.
Cortez was sitting in the back seat of one of the vehicles involved.
The East Penn School District did not confirm a student died but said several Emmaus High School students were involved.
"It's really crazy just to think how like they were just in the school and now --- just sad," said Mia Hinkle, who attends the high school.
"It's upsetting, and it's very scary just to know that driving in a few years and you never know what could happen," added student Keira Martino.
Counselors will be available Wednesday at Emmaus High School to assist the school community.
It's still unclear if anyone else was injured in the wreck.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.