A spring break trip ended in tragedy for four high school seniors from Concord-Carlisle High School after their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer in Florida. Authorities say the vehicle was traveling at approximately 110 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone just moments before the deadly crash on U.S. Highway 98 near Panama City.
Eighteen-year-old James McIntosh, who was driving the SUV, and 17-year-old Hannah Wasserman were both killed at the scene. Eighteen-year-old Maisey O’Donnell, a celebrated state diving champion, died from her injuries three days later. A fourth teen, also a senior, remains in critical condition.
Investigators revealed that Wasserman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The semi-truck, driven by 19-year-old Kadyn DeWayne Ainsworth, was attempting a U-turn when the speeding SUV struck it. Ainsworth and his passenger were not injured.
The Concord-Carlisle school community has been left devastated, just weeks ahead of graduation. O’Donnell was planning to attend Williams College, and Wasserman had been accepted to Syracuse University.
The crash remains under investigation, with no charges filed at this time. Authorities continue to examine all contributing factors, including speed and seatbelt use.