Three Massachusetts highschool seniors — together with a two-time state diving champion — have been killed in a horrific automotive crash that additionally left a fourth pupil preventing for his or her life throughout their Florida spring break trip.
The 4 Harmony-Carlisle Excessive College college students, all 18 years outdated, have been driving down Freeway 98 close to Panama Metropolis, Fla., when their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer that was performing a U-turn round 9:28 p.m. on Monday night time, in accordance with reviews.
The pressure of the wreck prompted the SUV to cross over the median and cease in a wooded space on the alternative facet of the freeway, Florida Freeway Patrol mentioned.
Jimmy McIntosh and Hannah Wasserman have been pronounced useless on the scene.
The 2 others have been rushed to Bay Medical Middle in vital situation, the place the third, Maisey O’Donnell, was later declared useless. The fourth pupil, who was not recognized, stays in vital situation, NBC Boston.
McIntosh, of Carlisle, Mass., was driving the SUV on the time of the crash and was carrying his seatbelt.
Investigators are nonetheless figuring out whether or not Wasserman and O’Donnell, of Harmony, and the unidentified pupil have been carrying seatbelts throughout the collision.
The 19-year-old tractor-trailer driver and a passenger weren’t injured within the incident, WCVB reported.
The Florida Freeway Patrol mentioned the deadly collision remains to be beneath investigation.
Harmony-Carlisle Regional College District Superintendent Laurie Hunter confirmed Tuesday that McIntosh, Wasserman and O’Donnell have been all killed within the crash.
“We’re very appreciative of the outpouring of affection throughout what is totally heartbreaking,” Hunter mentioned in an announcement, in accordance with the outlet. We additionally admire the want to really feel purposeful and never helpless. At the moment, it’s most acceptable that no motion be taken to honor the scholars with out the complete consent of the households and acceptable help for therefore many younger folks going through unfathomable loss.”
Harmony-Carlisle Excessive College is positioned about 25 miles outdoors of Boston.
O’Donnell — a two-time Massachusetts state diving champion, meant to decide to Williams School subsequent 12 months — was one of many prime divers within the US and a job mannequin to youthful athletes, her coach Joe Chirico advised WCVB.
“It’s a tragedy,” Chirico advised the outlet. “The little children appeared as much as her, the opposite divers appeared as much as her. It’s a tragedy, that anyone on the prime of their sport, going to one of the best educational college, top-of-the-line divers within the nation, was reduce so brief.”
The younger diving prospect had gained MVP, 1st Workforce All-State, 1st Workforce All-Space, 1st Workforce All-Area, 1st Workforce All-County, and 1st Workforce All-Convention whereas on the Harmony Carlisle Excessive College group in 2023, in accordance with NCSA Sports activities.
Wasserman was described as a “vibrant gentle taken far too quickly” as family members arrange a GoFundMe to assist the coed’s mother and father cowl funeral and memorial bills for his or her 18-year-old daughter
“Hannah was really considered one of a form: warm-hearted, variety, and all the time searching for others,” organizer Rex Riessen wrote. “She had a means of creating everybody really feel seen, heard, and beloved. Whether or not it was a good friend in want, a classmate having a tough day, or a stranger who wanted a smile, Hannah confirmed up with compassion and care.”
