Six children and teens under the legal driving age who took an SUV out for a ride in Stockton, Calif., over the weekend crashed into a tree, killing an 11-year-old girl, authorities said.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, at about 7:45 a.m. local time, officers responded to a report of a vehicle that had struck a tree on the 5800 block of N. El Dorado St., the Stockton Police Department said in a statement shared on Facebook.
Officers found five girls — ages 11, 13, 14, 14, and 15 — and a 13-year-old boy, at the scene, police said in the statement.
“We have a party advising that one of the subjects that was ejected is not moving,” a first responder said over a scanner, CBS News reported.
It is believed that no adults were in the car with the children, police said, the Associated Press and KBAK shared.
The 11-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries at the hospital as a result of the crash, police said.
The other five were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office identified the 11-year-old victim as Queen Marie Stacy Norwood, of Stockton, ABC 10 noted.
Calling the accident “alarming,” Stockton Police Department spokesman Officer Omer Edhah told ABC 10, “These are all very young children, between the ages of 11 and 15, and, unfortunately, one of them succumbed to their injuries. It’s disturbing.”
“And our message out to the community is be mindful where your children are, be aware of where your car keys are, be mindful of who you give your keys to and just kind of be aware all around — definitely don’t want to end up in a situation like this again,” he added.
No adults were believed to have been in the car with the children, police said, per ABC 10. The outlet also noted that authorities aren’t sure who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash and are investigating how the minors were able to access the SUV.
It is unclear whether any of the children’s parents will face charges.
Norwood was a student at McKinley Elementary in Stockton, according to ABC 10.
“We are very sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took place this weekend,” SUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez said in a statement, per ABC 10.
“Anytime we lose a student, it affects the entire SUSD community,” she wrote. “We have counseling and support available for our students and staff. Please join us in wishing the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
In a GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral costs, organizer Dorrell Wesson wrote, “Queen Marie Norwood, 11 years old, gained her angel wings tragically and unexpectedly today, August 25, 2024.”
“Queen, affectionately known as Queenie, is a beautiful, intelligent, shining star, who has left this earth way too soon for those of us who know and love her,” Wesson continued in the GoFundMe. “Queenie is left behind by her mother Lanequia (NeNe), and father Tremaine (Man Man), who are in need of first and foremost uplifting prayer and support while they navigate through this unspeakable grief.
The GoFundMe further cited the family, stating, “On behalf of the heartbroken Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, we’d like to thank anyone who can and finds it in their heart to assist with the funeral expenses of our beloved Ms Queenie Norwood. We love you Baby Girl! Fly High Angel!”
Situations like this one will continue until people grow up mentally before having children. Those who cannot or will not supervise their children should lose them to child protective services.
Is this a legacy? When will the 13%ers get some self control and actual control.
Are these kids not being taught that they must have a driver’s license to drive a car
Sorry but I really don’t have any sympathy. Wannabe gangsta play with fire get burnt.
When are parents going to start knowing where there kids are and what they are doing? The parents whose car this was should be held accountable. It seems these kids really didn’t have any fear of getting in trouble, this isn’t normal for kids to do. In this day and age you should know exactly where your kids are not just out roaming the streets. If you’re going to have a kids be a fricken parent!