A Missouri community is mourning after a devastating multi-vehicle crash claimed the lives of three people, including a high school senior who had recently been named prom queen and a mother of two.
The collision happened on the evening of May 1 along Lewis and Clark Boulevard in St. Louis County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Authorities said a 2013 Cadillac SRX struck the side of a 2020 Lexus RX350 while both vehicles were heading south. The impact forced the Lexus into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a northbound 2013 Toyota Highlander. The Lexus overturned, while the Cadillac veered off the road and crashed into nearby trees.
Three women lost their lives in the accident: the 53-year-old driver of the Lexus, her 18-year-old passenger, and the 28-year-old driver of the Toyota Highlander.
The Highlander driver was later identified as Andrea Medina, a mother of two. Her brother, Juan Medina, described her as compassionate, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her children.
School officials confirmed that the teenage passenger killed in the crash was Jordyn “Lunar” Williams, a senior at Ritenour High School. Her aunt, Cherese Fisher, was driving the Lexus and also died in the accident.
Williams had recently been crowned prom queen and was preparing to graduate later this month. In the wake of her death, memorials have been created both at the crash site and at her high school.
Her passing comes shortly after another tragedy involving the Ritenour High community, as senior Landon King was recently fatally shot outside a convenience store.
“This has been an incredibly difficult period for the Ritenour High School community,” assistant superintendent Dr. Bruce Green said in a statement, noting that many students and staff members have experienced significant grief over the past month.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Devin Daugherty, the alleged driver of the Cadillac, has been charged in connection with the crash. Authorities say he faces three counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, along with one count of driving with a suspended or revoked license. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
