Now Think Now

Boone County - A 17-year-old girl was killed Friday afternoon when her vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.
 

Caitlin McMasters was killed in the accident in the 5700 block of County Road 750 South, near Jamestown in Boone County.

"Caitlin was a good student. She always had a smile on her face," said Western Boone Community Schools Superintendent Judi Hendrix.

McMasters was a senior at Western Boone High School. She had just dropped off a job application when her car collided with a tree around 4 p.m. Friday, less than a quarter-mile from her home.

"For some unknown reason, she veered off the roadway, went over a small driveway and struck a tree head-on," said Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Burcham.

Neighbor Thomas Rich was driving ahead of McMasters and witnessed the crash.

"I was turning in my driveway and I heard a big bang. When I got out of the truck, I saw the car against the tree over there," Rich explained.

Family members say McMasters just got her car back from the shop Thursday night. She had been in another car accident just a couple of weeks ago on the very same road.

"Same type of deal, veered off the roadway, struck a mailbox, and then into a bean field. But she wasn't hurt. She stated she was texting on her phone at that time," Burcham said.

This time, police say they did not find a cell phone in the car. Investigators aren't sure what caused the crash, although they believe McMasters was speeding.

The news of her death is difficult for students at Western Boone. Her mom is an art teacher at the high school and school leaders say Caitlin shared her mother's love of art. Friday night's football game was tinged by sadness and didn't have the usual excitement in the stands.

"We had a moment of silence before the game started and we have counselors here, the chaplains are here for any student who might need to speak to someone," Hendrix said.

She said counselors will be available Monday at the high school as well.

"We're a small community, of course, so everybody knows her. Our hearts just go out to that family for what they've given to our community and their loss tonight," Hendrix said.

Boone County police say there have been several deadly accidents recently involving teens. Caitlin's class lost another student two years ago.

Original Article with Videos and Photos: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=11115928