Three Massachusetts high school seniors died in a high-speed crash during spring break in Florida, prompting urgent calls for teen driving safety reforms.
At a Glance
- Jimmy McIntosh, 18, was driving at 110 mph when his SUV collided with a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 98.
- McIntosh and passengers Hannah Wasserman, 17, and Maisey O’Donnell, 18, were killed; a fourth student remains in critical condition.
- The crash occurred on April 21 around 9:30 p.m. near Inlet Beach, Florida.
- The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident.
- The Concord-Carlisle High School community is mourning the loss and emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.
High-Speed Collision Claims Young Lives
On April 21, a devastating crash occurred on U.S. Highway 98 near Inlet Beach, Florida. According to a report by The Boston Globe, 18-year-old Jimmy McIntosh was driving a Hyundai SUV at approximately 110 mph—far exceeding the 65 mph speed limit—when he struck a tractor-trailer that was attempting a U-turn.
The violent impact killed McIntosh and two classmates: Hannah Wasserman and Maisey O’Donnell. A fourth passenger, also a student, was critically injured. Despite clear road conditions, the sheer speed and collision dynamics left little chance of survival.
Witnesses were stunned by the velocity of the vehicle. Dr. Gary Howerton, driving nearby, said, “The car just blew by me like I was standing still. My first impression was, ‘Oh no.’ Something bad is going to happen because of the way he was driving,” as quoted in the same Boston Globe article.
Community Grieves and Seeks Change
The Concord-Carlisle High School community, where all four teens were students, has been left heartbroken. Grief counselors were made available immediately following the news. Superintendent Laurie Hunter said the support from surrounding towns has been “deeply appreciated,” as noted in a CBS Boston report.
Maisey O’Donnell, who had committed to Williams College for diving, was remembered as “humble with a kind heart,” according to her coach, Joe Chirico. He described her as a leader and role model in a tribute published by People.
Watch a report: Massachusetts students killed in high-speed Florida crash.
Urgent Safety Lessons and Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol is treating the crash as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. No charges have yet been filed, but officials stress the importance of conducting a comprehensive inquiry. Lieutenant Jim Beauford emphasized, “It is more important that we conduct the best investigation possible for the people that are involved,” according to the Boston Globe.
Local leaders and parents have begun pressing for stronger education around reckless driving, particularly during holidays when teens may be unsupervised. With graduation season underway, the incident is already serving as a cautionary tale within schools across Massachusetts and Florida.
As families and classmates grieve, many hope this tragedy becomes a turning point—transforming loss into a renewed focus on teen driver safety and responsibility.
