LEWES, Del. - A 16-year-old Cape Henlopen High School student is being remembered after a tragic crash. On Tuesday night, five girls were involved in an ATV accident on a private road just off of Robinsonville road. One 16-year-old girl died at the scene. The other four girls survived.
Police say two were treated at the hospital and released, and the other two girls are listed in stable condition.
The ATV crashed on Fox Run Road. The five girls were riding in the vehicle that police say was going too fast. Delaware State Police say at around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the John Deere Gator ATV was speeding around a curve on a private driveway. They say the ATV skidded, slid off the driveway, overturned and slammed into a tree.
"It could have been equivalent to an actual motor vehicle crash,” says Lewes Fire Department Fire Chief, Dale Magee.
Magee was one of the first responders on the scene. He says he saw where all five girls were thrown from the ATV.
"We had several high priority patients we had to take care of immediately. We were fortunate the medics were right here with us as well. They took command of the EMS side and started patient care immediately,” said Chief Magee.
Those at the Wheelhouse confirmed one of the girls involved worked there. The restaurant says it's a sensitive issue for all involved and is asking the community for their prayers.
The Cape Henlopen School District released a statement on Wednesday that said, “The Cape Henlopen School District is deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our high school students as the result of a tragic accident that occurred on April 6. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all involved and to the student’s family and friends. Students age 3-17 who are in need of immediate support are encouraged to call or text the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-969-4357 (HELP) or text DE to 741741. School counselors will be available to students for additional support following spring break.”
While the accident is still under investigation, the community mourns a young girl gone too soon.