Three Massachusetts High School Seniors Killed in Tragic Florida Car Crash During Spring Break
- Victor Nwoko
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Three Massachusetts high school seniors were killed and a fourth critically injured in a devastating car crash during a spring break trip to Florida. The victims, all 18-year-old students from Concord-Carlisle High School, lost their lives when their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer on Highway 98 near Panama City around 9:28 p.m. Monday.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the SUV was traveling westbound when a tractor-trailer began making a U-turn. The SUV struck the trailer, causing the vehicle to veer across the median and come to a stop in a wooded area on the opposite side of the highway.
Jimmy McIntosh, of Carlisle, was driving the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene along with fellow student Hannah Wasserman, of Concord. Both were confirmed to have died on impact. Two other students were rushed to Bay Medical Center in critical condition. One of them, Maisey O’Donnell—also from Concord—later succumbed to her injuries. The fourth student, whose name has not been released, remains in critical condition.
McIntosh was confirmed to be wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Authorities are still investigating whether the other passengers were also wearing seatbelts. The 19-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer and their passenger were unharmed.
The Florida Highway Patrol has launched a full investigation into the fatal crash.
The loss has deeply shaken the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District and the broader Massachusetts community. Superintendent Laurie Hunter confirmed the deaths and described the incident as “absolutely heartbreaking,” emphasizing the importance of supporting students and respecting the families’ wishes during this time of immense grief.
Maisey O’Donnell was a standout student-athlete and two-time Massachusetts state diving champion. She had planned to attend Williams College and was widely recognized as one of the nation’s top young divers. Her coach, Joe Chirico, described her as a role model for younger athletes, calling her death a profound tragedy. “She was at the top of her game and on her way to one of the best academic institutions in the country,” he said. “It’s a loss beyond words.”
O’Donnell had achieved numerous accolades including MVP, 1st Team All-State, and top honors in her region, county, and conference during the 2023 season.
Hannah Wasserman, also from Concord, was remembered by friends and family as a radiant and compassionate young woman. A GoFundMe campaign launched in her memory described her as “a bright light taken far too soon” and praised her for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for others. “Hannah had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved,” wrote family friend Rex Riessen. “She showed up for everyone with compassion and care.”
Concord-Carlisle High School, located roughly 25 miles outside Boston, is providing grief counseling and emotional support services to students and staff.
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