A a teenage girl was among the teens killed in a violent incident that occurred early Sunday morning. Near Farley, Missouri, on State Highway 45, an overturned automobile carrying 18-year-old Tessa Walker caught fire and killed her.
The accident injured four other teenagers.
Tessa Walker, a Park Hill School senior, was preparing to start her college career in the autumn at Northwest Missouri State.
Besides being an accomplished athlete, Tessa was a hard worker in the classroom. She participated in track, girls' flag football, and volleyball. She participated in the AVID college-readiness program for all four years, and her dedication paid off with many awards, including academic scholarships from KC Scholars, the Park Hill Education Foundation, Northwest Missouri State University, and A+. She couldn't wait for the next autumn semester at Northwest.
While enrolled at Park Hill's Professional Studies program, Tessa worked with the Midwest Innocence Project, demonstrating her dedication to justice and service beyond the confines of the classroom and the field.
Tessa was known for her kindness, her drive, and the light she brought into every room. She was a proud volleyball player, wearing #10, and made her mark both on and off the court in a way her teammates and classmates won’t forget.
Her class is preparing to walk the stage this year, but her absence will be felt in every step. Her memory will continue to live on in the people who loved her most
Four other teenagers were driving south on Highway 45 when their BMW lost control and overturned.
According to the Platte County Sheriff's Office, the vehicle caught fire while it lay on its side in the grass.
At the scene, Walker passed away. Injuries suffered by the driver and his three passengers ranged from minor to serious, prompting their transportation to an adjacent hospital.
Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the collision. The driver and all the other adolescents were not charged.