Vigil held for Mo. teen killed when alleged underaged driver crashed

HANNIBAL, Mo. (WGEM/Gray News) - Dozens of Missouri residents gathered to remember a 14-year-old girl killed when authorities say an underaged driver crashed with three passengers in her car.

More than 50 residents gathered outside Hannibal High School on Sunday afternoon for a prayer vigil. The gathering came days after a 14-year-old girl died and three other children were injured in a car crash outside New London, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“She was outgoing, fun and loved life,” said the 14-year-old girl’s aunt, Brittany Chitwood. “We’re just really going to miss her.”

Several high school students released balloons in remembrance of the 14-year-old, WGEM reports.

“My daughter had art class with her, and they were friends. I just felt compelled to put something together to bring all the students together and pray over them before they came back to school tomorrow and had to face the tragedy. It’s going to be hard for them,” said the fellowship’s organizer, Amy Conover.

Authorities reported that a 15-year-old girl was driving a 2007 Hummer just after 6:30 p.m. Friday on Route O when she drove off the right side of the road, struck a sign and an embankment and then overturned.

A 14-year-old girl, 15-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Troopers say the 14-year-old girl died on the scene at 7:30 p.m.

The 15-year-old boy was flown to St. Louis Children’s Hospital with serious injuries. The driver and 8-year-old both suffered moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

None of the children were wearing safety devices at the time of the crash, according to authorities.

No charges have been filed at this time.

Copyright 2023 WGEM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.