Police in Starkville, Mississippi say that an accident in a McDonald’s parking lot left one teen dead and another seriously injured. The accident happened a little after 2 in the morning at the McDonald’s located on Highway 12.
Police who responded to the accident scene say that the 18-year-old driver of the vehicle, Sawyer Steede, had been drinking prior to the wreck. Steede also had two passengers riding in the bed of his 2003 Chevy Silverado pickup truck.
By the time officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they found one of those passengers, another 18-year-old, Kaleb Barker, seriously injured. Barker was taken to a local hospital for treatment before ultimately being airlifted to Jackson where he later died as a result of his injuries. The Oktibbeha County Corner has said that it appears Barker was thrown from the bed of Steede’s truck during the accident and then run over by the vehicle as the car went over a steep curve.
Another passenger in the vehicle, a woman from Dyersburg, was also injured in the accident. Police say she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of her more minor injuries. A spokesperson for the Oktibbeha County Hospital says that the woman has since been treated and released.
Authorities say that all three teens were students at Mississippi State. Police are working with the Crash Reconstruction Team of the Starkville Police Department to try to determine what exactly happened the evening of the wreck to lead to such serious injuries for the teens. Though the exact events of the evening have not yet been determined, Steede has since been arrested and charged with aggravated driving under the influence. He is now out of jail on a $50,000 bond.
The accident highlights just how dangerous alcohol can be when combined with inexperienced young drivers. Though teens may think a little bit of drinking is harmless, this episode highlights how what was supposed to be a fun night between friends can turn deadly serious. Parents should take this as an opportunity to have a talk with your children and explain how important it is to responsibly operate a motor vehicle.
If you have been injured and think you may have a personal injury claim, please contact the Mississippi auto accident lawyers at Kilpatrick & Philley at 601-707-4669.
Source: “Fatal Crash in a McDonald’s Parking Lot Also Injures Dyersburg Teen,” published at WBBJTV.com.
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