Officers with the Clayton Police Department responded to a serious two-vehicle crash at 9:52 p.m. at the intersection of East Academy Street and Fries Mill Road, authorities said.
Preliminary findings indicate the collision occurred when one vehicle attempted to make a left turn and entered the path of a second vehicle traveling southbound. The impact caused one of the vehicles to overturn, trapping three occupants inside. Emergency crews arrived at the scene and worked alongside EMS personnel to extricate those trapped in the overturned vehicle.
One of the injured, identified by police as Zara Zaman, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Her death has deeply affected the local community, particularly within the school district.
In a letter to parents and students, Nikolaos Koutsogiannis, superintendent of the Clayton Public School District, confirmed that Zaman, along with two former graduates and two current students, was involved in the crash.
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for our community,” Koutsogiannis wrote. “The loss of a young life is always tragic, and news like this can be especially hard for students, staff, and families to process. Our hearts are with Zara’s family and friends during this unimaginable time.”
The district said counseling and support services are being made available to students and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Police confirmed the crash remains under active investigation, and no further details have been released. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Clayton Police Department as they continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
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