Second teen seriously injured

A Westmoreland County teenager is dead following a single-vehicle crash this morning, Thursday, March 18, 2010.  At 8:21 a.m., Virginia State Police Trooper J. M. Brooks was called to the scene on Route 625, Horners Mill Road, approximately a quarter of a mile west of Route 697, Lapkin Road, in Westmoreland County. 

A 1995 Saturn Coupe was traveling east on Route 625 when the driver ran off the right side of the roadway, over-corrected and struck a tree. The passenger, Jareka Shepherd, 14, of Westmoreland County, died at the scene. Shepherd was wearing her safety belt.   

The 17-year-old driver was seriously injured in the crash and flown to Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. It is not clear whether the driver was wearing his safety belt. 

The Virginia State Police Division One Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation of the fatal crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and charges are pending at this time.   

Westmoreland School Superintendent Elaine Fogliani released the following statement regarding the two occupants of the car who were both students at Washington & Lee High School:

On Thursday, March 18, 2010, a ninth grade student at Washington and Lee High school was in a car accident, resulting in her death.  Another student was seriously injured and taken to a hospital. We have not received any further word on his condition at this time.

This student’s death is a tragic, emotional loss for the entire Westmoreland County Public School family.  I am sure all of us will make every effort to comfort and support the family as they attempt to deal with this traumatic loss.  There are no adequate words to express our sense of grief and sympathy for the family.

Because her death is felt so deeply by so many, on Thursday and thereafter, as needed, counselors are at the school to discuss the accident and loss with students and faculty.

The family, friends, and the school are deeply saddened by this tragic loss to our school family.  Please join us in supporting the student’s family.

PASSENGER – DECEASED: Jareka Shepherd, 14, Westmoreland County 

DRIVER: Male, 17, of Westmoreland County