My mom shared a story with me just recently, I never knew.
She was the first graduating class from Clairemont High (San Diego- later the school Fast Times of Ridgemont High was based. Didn't know that either! "Mom your high School was Fast Times High! That movie was a classic when I was in High School. (1982 release) How Ironic.")
Anyway, in September 1958, a few months before the plane crash, Richie Valens came to an opening of her high school, and she said it was such a surprise and so much fun. She and her friends were dancing and had a blast. Valens was only 17, himself! So, he was their age.
So young to die. It must have been such a shocker.