Authorities have confirmed that a 16-year-old Rogers High School student from Otsego died Friday as a result of a single vehicle accident near Beebe Lake Road.
Twin Cities television outlet KARE 11 also carried the story Sunday, June 14.
Leah Demessie, 16, died Friday after the car she was riding in left the road and entered a ditch on southbound Garrison Avenue, near County Road 34 (Beebe Lake Road), striking a power pole, according to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Demessie was airlifted to North Memeorial Medical Center, where she later died of her injuries. The Rogers High student was driving with two other passengers. Both of those girls, both juveniles, were transported to NMMC by ground ambulance in serious condition.
UPDATE: The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has listed the passengers as Olivia Wageman, 15, Rogers and Nicole Serpa, 16, also of Rogers. Both girls are now in stable condition and North Memorial Medical Center.
Wright County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Captain Dan Anselment said all three people in the vehicle were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, which was around 1:30 p.m. Friday. The sheriff’s office is investigating why the vehicle left the road and how the driver might have lost control.
Family members and friends confirmed the tragedy Friday, including Leah’s brother, via the North Wright County Today Facebook page.
According to the Peterson Funeral Chapel website, services for Leah Demessie are set for Tuesday, June 16 at the chapel in St. Michael. A prayer service will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with a “sharing” hour beginning at 6 p.m.