News Summary

A tragic accident in Panama City, Florida during spring break resulted in the deaths of three high school seniors from Concord-Carlisle High School. James McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O’Donnell were involved in a high-speed collision, where McIntosh was driving recklessly. The incident has deeply affected the school community, prompting discussions on road safety and the importance of seatbelt use.

Panama City, Florida – Three high school seniors from Massachusetts lost their lives in a tragic crash during their spring break on April 21. The victims, James McIntosh (18), Hannah Wasserman (17), and Maisey O’Donnell (18), were students at Concord-Carlisle High School. Another 18-year-old senior, whose name has not been released, sustained critical injuries in the incident.

The fatal accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 98, where McIntosh was reportedly driving an SUV at an excessive speed of approximately 110 mph, exceeding the posted speed limit of 65 mph. The situation turned dire when McIntosh collided with a tractor-trailer that was making a U-turn, driven by 19-year-old Kadyn DeWayne Ainsworth.

Initial investigations revealed that McIntosh did not slow down for the turning tractor-trailer, leading to the devastating crash. Emergency responders pronounced McIntosh and Wasserman dead at the scene. O’Donnell, severely injured, was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries three days later. The condition of the unnamed fourth passenger remains critical, though no updates regarding their health have been released.

Of note during the investigation, it was revealed that Hannah Wasserman was the only individual in the SUV not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Following the crash, McIntosh was not tested for drugs or alcohol, and Ainsworth, the tractor-trailer driver, was traveling at an estimated speed of 20 mph, sustaining no injuries from the incident.

The Florida Highway Patrol is treating the accident as a criminal investigation, although no charges had been filed as of the latest reported updates. Witnesses at the scene included Dr. Gary Howerton, who recounted observing the SUV speeding past him just before the collision, indicating his concern for an impending accident as he was driving at around 72 mph.

This tragic event has heavily impacted the Concord-Carlisle High School community, just months ahead of graduation. O’Donnell was a star diver with aspirations of competing at the collegiate level, having planned to attend Williams College. Wasserman was remembered as a passionate dancer and dance instructor, preparing for her studies at Syracuse University in the fall.

The loss of these promising students has left a deep void within the community. O’Donnell’s family expressed their heartbreak and is seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. In response to the grim event, the school district has instituted grief counseling services for students and staff to help them navigate their emotions during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, the community continues to mourn the loss of these young lives and reflect on the impact they left behind. The tragedy has sparked discussions about road safety and the importance of responsible driving, highlighting the critical role that seatbelt use plays in ensuring passenger safety.