Heartbreak Strikes as SUV Driven by Children Crashes, Killing 11-Year-Old Passenger

Six children and teenagers under the legal driving age smashed an SUV into a tree in Stockton, California, over the weekend, killing an 11-year-old girl, according to investigators.

Officers responded to a report of a car striking a tree on the 5800 block of N. El Dorado St. on Sunday, Aug. 25, at about 7:45 a.m. local time, according to a statement released on Facebook by the Stockton Police Department.

Officers discovered five girls (ages 11, 13, 14, 14, and 15) and a 13-year-old boy at the location, according to the statement.

“We have a party advising that one of the subjects who was ejected is not moving,” a first responder stated over a scanner, CBS News reported.

Police suspect no adults were in the car with the children, according to the Associated Press and KBAK.

According to police, the 11-year-old girl died in the hospital as a result of her injuries from the incident.

The remaining five were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 11-year-old child was named by the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office as Queen Marie Stacy Norwood of Stockton, according to ABC 10.

Stockton Police Department spokesman Officer Omer Edhah described the event as “alarming,” telling ABC 10. “These are all very young children, between the ages of 11 and 15, and, unfortunately, one of them succumbed to their injuries.” “It is disturbing.”

“And our message out to the community is mindful where your children are, be aware of where your car keys are, be mindful of who you give your keys to, and just kind of be aware all around — don’t want to end up in a situation like this again,” he went on.

Police believe no adults were in the car with the youngsters, according to ABC 10. The site also stated that investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of the incident and are looking into how the juveniles gained access to the SUV.

It is unknown if any of the children’s parents will be charged.

Norwood attended McKinley Elementary in Stockton, according to ABC 10.

“We are very sorry to hear about the tragic accident that occurred this weekend,” SUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez stated in a statement to ABC 10.

“Anytime we lose a student, it affects the entire SUSD community,” she said. “We provide counseling and support to our students and staff. Please join us in wishing the family peace and comfort at this terrible time.

In a GoFundMe page put up to help with funeral expenses, organizer Dorrell Wesson stated, “Queen Marie Norwood, 11 years old, gained her angel wings tragically and unexpectedly today, August 25, 2024.”

“Queen, affectionately known as Queenie, is a beautiful, intelligent, shining star, who has left this earth way too soon for those of us who know and love her,” Wesson wrote on the GoFundMe website. “Queenie is left behind by her mother Lanequia (NeNe) and father Tremaine (Man Man), who want uplifting prayer and support as they deal with this unimaginable loss.

The GoFundMe page also mentioned the family, saying, “On behalf of the heartbroken Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, we’d like to thank anyone who can and finds it in their heart to assist with the funeral expenses of our beloved Ms Queenie Norwood.” We love you, baby girl! “Fly High, Angel!”