A devastating car crash near a popular Florida spring break destination has claimed the lives of three Massachusetts high school seniors and left a fourth in critical condition. The incident occurred on Monday night in Panama City Beach, Florida, sending shockwaves through their community.
JIMMY MCINTOSH and HANNAH WASSERMAN, both seniors at Concord-Carlisle High School, tragically lost their lives after their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer on Highway 98 in Inlet Beach, part of Walton County. MAISEY O’DONNELL, another senior and a two-time state champion diver, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. A fourth student remains in critical condition.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred at 9:28 p.m. when the tractor-trailer was executing a U-turn. The two occupants of the tractor-trailer were unharmed. The FHP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
LAURIE HUNTER, Superintendent of the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, expressed profound grief in a statement. “We are very appreciative of the outpouring of love during what is absolutely heartbreaking,” she said. “We are all devastated beyond what we can understand today. I know that the difficult days ahead will be ones we face together.”
In a poignant tribute, O’DONNELL’s family hopes to bring meaning to the tragedy by enrolling her in an organ donation program. The talented diver had recently committed to attending Williams College in Massachusetts this fall, sharing her excitement in a September Instagram post: “I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process at Williams College! Thank you so much to my family, friends, and coaches who helped me get to this point.”
O’DONNELL’s achievements in diving were remarkable, including winning MVP, 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Area, 1st Team All-Region, 1st Team All-County, and 1st Team All-Conference honors in 2023.
The Florida Highway Patrol extended its condolences in a statement to Fox News Digital, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy. “We recognize this is a very tough time for all that are involved, from the families to the fellow students and the entire community,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with the families and community as they struggle to cope.”
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, particularly during celebratory seasons like spring break.
Sources:
Boston25,
Fox News Digital