Three high school seniors from Concord-Carlisle High School in Massachusetts lost their lives in a tragic car cr.ash while on a spring break trip in Florida.
The accident occurred on the evening of Monday, April 21, around 9:30 p.m. on Highway 98 near Panama City.
The SUV the students were riding in collided with a tractor-trailer that was executing a U-turn, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, cross the median, and crash into a wooded area.
The victims, all 18 years old, have been identified as Jimmy McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O’Donnell. McIntosh and Wasserman were pronounced d3ad at the scene.
O’Donnell was taken to Bay Medical Center, where she later di.ed from her injuries. A fourth student, whose identity has not been made public, remains in critical condition.
McIntosh, who was behind the wheel, had been wearing his seatbelt. Authorities are still determining whether the other passengers were wearing theirs. The 19-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer and their passenger were unharmed.
The devastating news was confirmed by Laurie Hunter, Superintendent of the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District.
In a statement, she expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of allowing space for mourning while respecting the families’ wishes.
She urged that any tributes or memorials for the students be coordinated with the families and guided by appropriate emotional support.
Maisey O’Donnell, a resident of Concord, was a highly accomplished athlete. A two-time Massachusetts state diving champion, she had plans to attend Williams College and was recognized nationally as one of the top divers in her sport.
Her coach, Joe Chirico, described her as a role model who inspired younger athletes. “She was at the top of her game,” he said, mourning the loss of her bright future.
Hannah Wasserman was remembered as a deeply kind and empathetic individual.
Friends and family described her as someone who made others feel valued and cared for.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support her family with funeral costs. Organizer Rex Riessen wrote, “Hannah had a rare gift for making others feel seen and loved. She brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met.”
The cause of the cr.ash is still under investigation by Florida authorities. Meanwhile, Concord-Carlisle High School, located about 25 miles west of Boston, is providing counseling and emotional support services to students and staff in the wake of the tragedy.
The entire school community is in mourning, grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of three promising young lives. Thoughts and condolences continue to pour in for the families, friends, and classmates of the victims.
