Inlet Beach, Florida — A spring break trip took a devastating turn for four seniors from Concord-Carlisle High School when a tragic car crash on Monday night, April 21, claimed the lives of Jimmy McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O’Donnell, and left a fourth student, Lauren Costa, in critical condition.
The accident occurred around 9:28 p.m. along U.S. Highway 98, near Inlet Beach in the Florida Panhandle, a scenic stretch nestled between Tallahassee and Panama City, where many high school seniors across the country head each year to celebrate the milestone of their impending graduation.
According to a report released by the Florida Highway Patrol, the four teenagers, all 18 years old, were traveling westbound in an SUV when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer attempting a U-turn in a paved median. The SUV, unable to avoid the turning semi, struck the truck and then veered across the highway’s eastbound lanes, finally coming to a stop near a wooded area off the road.
Jimmy McIntosh, the driver, and Hannah Wasserman, a front-seat passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene. Maisey O’Donnell, seated in the back, succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to Bay Medical Center. Lauren Costa, the fourth passenger, remains in critical condition and is receiving intensive care as doctors work to stabilize her condition.
The occupants of the tractor-trailer, two adult males, were not injured in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed.
Back home in Massachusetts, the news sent waves of shock and sorrow through the tight-knit communities of Concord and Carlisle, where these students were beloved members of the high school community.
In a heartfelt statement shared with families, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter wrote:
“We are heartbroken by the unimaginable loss of three bright, promising young lives. Jimmy, Hannah, and Maisey were beloved students and friends, each leaving behind a legacy of kindness, spirit, and strength. Our entire school community grieves with their families. We are also holding Lauren in our hearts, hoping for her recovery and healing.”
Dr. Hunter confirmed that grief counselors are available at Concord-Carlisle High School for students and staff. On Wednesday, the school hosted a drop-in counseling session between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and further support will be available when students return from spring break.
Friends and classmates have begun to create makeshift memorials on campus, adorned with flowers, photos, letters, and messages of love and remembrance. On social media, tributes have poured in from former teachers, coaches, and fellow students, each remembering the unique light that each of the students brought to the school and their wider community.
Jimmy McIntosh was known for his easygoing personality and love for baseball, where he played as an infielder for the school team. Hannah Wasserman was a gifted artist and a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter. Maisey O’Donnell had dreams of becoming a nurse and was admired for her empathy and quiet strength. Lauren Costa, a standout on the cross-country team, is described by her peers as resilient and full of determination—traits they hope will carry her through the road to recovery.
This tragedy has left the community grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss and questions that may never have satisfying answers. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of holding loved ones close.
A community vigil is being planned for later this week at the high school to honor the lives lost and support Lauren and the families affected. In the coming days, a GoFundMe campaign is expected to be launched to assist the families with funeral costs and medical expenses.
As the investigation continues, school officials, parents, and local leaders are calling for thoughts, prayers, and support as Concord-Carlisle mourns three of its own and prays for the recovery of another.
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