Teenager killed due to distracted driver
A Wisconsin girl was killed last week in a Hudson County crash that authorities are saying was the result of a distracted driver, who nearly struck the vehicle the girl was driving, causing the teen to lose control of her vehicle and crash.
Various media reports and St. Croix County authorities say 16-year-old Kyra F. Hayes of Beldenville died on Friday, Oct. 21 when she swerved off the road to avoid being struck by another motorist who was on her cellphone.
“The victim, identified by the St. Croix County sheriff’s office as 16-year-old Kyra F. Hayes of Beldenville, died Friday in a crash on Wisconsin 35 in Troy. She was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the sheriff’s office news release,” an article by Twin City Pioneers Press reads. “A preliminary investigation revealed Hayes’ vehicle was nearly struck by another northbound vehicle just moments before the crash. The driver of that car, identified as 21-year-old Makellia S. Jensen, was witnessed with both hands on a cellphone ‘seconds before the crash,’ according to the release.”
Deputies revealed in the press release that Hayes’ 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada left the roadway at 3:21 p.m. and crashed. Hayes was reportedly thrown from the vehicle, which also rolled several times.
“Deputies said Jensen, of Big Lake, Minn., turned around after the crash and returned to the scene. She and a passenger, Kalen L. Chase, 22, of Minneapolis, were not injured in the incident,” the article reads. “The sheriff’s office did not state what, if any, consequences Jensen might face as a result of the incident.”
Hayes is one of four children of Ione and Luke Hayes. She was a junior at Ellsworth High School, according to a GoFundMe.com fundraiser. The fundraiser was created by Cari Williamson in an effort to create a memorial scholarship in her name.
“Kyra enjoyed singing at events, and working together with her family at her father’s local sandwich shop,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Through her strong faith, her involvement in school activities, her work as a camp counselor, and involvement in her church, Kyra touched many lives and was an excellent role model for the children she cared for. All funds go directly to Ione & Luke Hayes for a Memorial/scholarship in Kyra’s name. … This beautiful girl was taken from us far too soon, and her light and beauty will be missed terribly.”
