Florida Spring Break Tragedy: James McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O’Donnell Killed in High-Speed Crash

Three high school seniors from Massachusetts who tragically lost their lives in a Florida crash during spring break last month were speeding at 110 miles per hour, according to a newly released Florida Highway Patrol report.

High-Speed Tragedy on US 98

James McIntosh, 18, was behind the wheel of an SUV carrying three other teens when it crashed into a tractor-trailer making a U-turn on US 98 near Panama City in the early hours of April 21.

The impact was devastating.

McIntosh, Maisey O’Donnell (18), and Hannah Wasserman (17) died as a result of the wreck. A fourth passenger, also 18, was critically injured. Their current condition has not been made public.

Investigators say the SUV was traveling at 110 mph in the dark and failed to slow down as the truck turned in front of them. The SUV slammed into the trailer, then veered off the road, crossed the median, and came to a stop in a wooded area.

Community in Mourning

The crash has left the town of Concord, Massachusetts, and Concord-Carlisle High School in deep mourning.

O’Donnell, a two-time state diving champion, died three days later at Massachusetts General Hospital. She had been undefeated in her junior and senior seasons and was set to attend Williams College in the fall to continue her diving career.

Her coach, Joe Chirico, told reporters: “It’s a tragedy. She was a role model to younger divers. The best at what she did—and her life was cut short.”

Wasserman was a competitive dancer and teacher, remembered for her passion and dedication. She was planning to attend Syracuse University.

“The loss of our daughter has devastated us beyond words,” her family said in a statement. “We want answers, so no one else has to suffer like this.”

Driver and Truck Operator Details

The crash report also revealed that McIntosh was not tested for drugs or alcohol, and Wasserman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The truck driver, identified as Kadyn DeWayne Ainsworth, 19, was reportedly traveling at 20 mph but failed to yield the right of way. The report does not state whether Ainsworth has been cited or charged.

Witness Speaks Out

Dr. Gary Howerton, an emergency medicine specialist, was driving nearby and saw the SUV speed past him like a bullet moments before the crash.

“The car blew by me like I was standing still,” he told the Boston Globe. “I knew something bad was going to happen.”

Rushing to the scene, he described the SUV’s roof ripped off and debris scattered in the woods. Despite his medical training, he said there was nothing he could do to help.

A Painful Reminder

The crash happened just weeks before the teens’ graduation, and it’s left a deep wound in their hometown.

O’Donnell is survived by her parents Christopher and Elizabeth, and her younger sister Emery.

As their families, school, and friends try to cope with the grief, authorities continue to investigate what led to this senseless tragedy.

“This car was going so fast,” said Dr. Howerton. “It shouldn’t have happened.”