A devastating car crash has claimed the lives of three graduates who were heading home after watching a high school basketball game.
The fatal accident occurred on Friday, February 21, around 8PM along Highway 54 in western Missouri, about two miles south of Walker, The Miami Herald reports.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol report confirmed that three recent graduates - Ava Wolfe, Jayden Butterfield, and Violet Corrado - along with a 38-year-old man in another vehicle, tragically lost their lives in the crash.
Authorities revealed that the unnamed man was driving a GMC Terrain when it was struck by a Toyota Corolla carrying the three young women.
The Corolla reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign before the collision. The impact sent the vehicle off the road, where it smashed into a fence before crashing into a tree, per PEOPLE.
The Corolla’s driver, a 49-year-old man, and a 38-year-old female passenger both sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized. Inside the GMC Terrain, two 16-year-old girls suffered minor injuries, while an 18-year-old woman sustained moderate injuries. A 39-year-old woman in the vehicle was also seriously injured.
All survivors were transported to local hospitals, while emergency responders pronounced Wolfe, Butterfield, and Corrado dead just before 11PM.
While police have not formally identified the victims, the Climax Springs school district confirmed the tragic loss on Facebook.
"Ava and Jayden were both beloved employees of the district, who dedicated their time and talent to our students each day," the school district wrote, NBC-affiliated station KSNF shared. "As students, all of these individuals left a legacy within our school."
Just one day before the horrific crash, Ava had purchased a Ford Bronco - an exciting milestone that tragically became her last.
“Just yesterday, Ava was here, filled with joy and excitement as she drove home in her Bronco. To now be facing this heartbreaking loss is truly unimaginable,” the local dealership wrote on Facebook.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all those affected. The Climax Springs community is strong, and we stand with you during this incredibly difficult time," they added.
The Vernon County Sheriff's Office also paid tribute to the victims in a Facebook post, writing that their "hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends that have been affected by the wreck on C hwy and 54 hwy," adding: "May God wrap his arms around you and comfort throughout this time."
The Climax Springs School District has announced that grief counselors will be available for students and staff on Monday and Tuesday to help the community cope with the heartbreaking loss.
In support of the victims' families, a GoFundMe has been launched to assist with expenses during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this devastating tragedy.