Spring break is something that has been looked forward to for many years by high school seniors and others throughout the United States. It is a time when they get to unwind and relax, often at a beautiful location.
Unfortunately, spring break in 2025 turned tragic when three high school seniors from Massachusetts were killed. The tragedy occurred in a car crash during the trip to Florida. A fourth student is still in critical condition.
The group of 18-year-olds, who were from Concorde-Carlisle High School were near Panama City traveling on Highway 98. Their SUV ran into a tractor-trailer making a U-turn at around 9:28 PM on Monday.
After the impact took place, the vehicle went across the median and into a wooded area on the opposite side of the road according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Jimmy McIntosh and Hannah Wasserman were pronounced dead at the crash and two other passengers were transported to Bay Medical Center in critical condition. One of those teenagers, Maisey O’Donnell, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The fourth student, whose name has not been released is in critical condition.
Jimmy McIntosh was driving the SUV and wearing his seatbelt when the collision occurred. At this time, authorities are still trying to determine if the other passengers in the vehicle were wearing their seatbelts during the time of the crash.
The tractor-trailer was being driven by a 19-year-old and he had a passenger in the vehicle. Both of them were unharmed. At this time, the crash is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The superintendent of the Concorde-Carlisle Regional School District, Lori Hunter, confirmed that the three students were killed in the crash. The area is now mourning the loss of so many of their own.
Hunter issued a statement: “We are very appreciative of the outpouring of love during what is absolutely heartbreaking. We also appreciate the wish to feel purposeful and not helpless. At this time, it is most appropriate that no action be taken to honor the students without the full consent of the families and appropriate support for so many young people facing unfathomable loss.
“We are all devastated beyond what we can understand today. I know that the difficult days ahead will be ones we face together.”