21-05-2025
Teenage boy's awful decision that led to death of him and two young female friends during Florida vacation
A teenage boy was barreling down a Florida highway at 110 mph when he crashed and killed himself along with two other passengers.
Massachusetts high schooler James McIntosh, 18, was identified as the driver of the Hyundai SUV that crashed on US 98 carrying several of his friends while they were on vacation in April.
Investigators determined he was speeding at 110 mph on the dark and unlit highway - where the speed limit is 65 mph - when he crashed into a tractor-trailer attempting to make a U-turn, according to a crash report obtained by The Boston Globe.
McIntosh and his 17-year-old classmate, Hannah Wasserman, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Their friend and high school diving champion Maisey O'Donnell, 18, died three days later at Massachusetts General Hospital. A fourth passenger, who has not been identified, was severely injured.
'[McIntosh was] traveling at an excessive speed and failed to slow to traffic turning in front of him,' the report said.
The tractor-trailer driver was identified as Kadyn Dewayne Ainsworth, 19. Police said he failed to yield the right of way as he attempted the U-turn.
After the collision, McIntosh's SUV then moved across the median and both eastbound lanes, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, before coming to a stop in the woods.
Ainsworth and his passenger were not injured. Investigators noted they do not believe Ainsworth was under the influence at the time of the crash and they did not test McIntosh for drugs or alcohol.
Wasserman was not wearing a seat belt, but all the other teens were, according to the report.
Police continue investigating the crash and have not decided on charges.
'We understand the public's desire for a fast resolution to these criminal investigations; however, it is more important that we conduct the best investigation possible for the people that are involved,' said Lieutenant Jim Beauford, chief of public affairs for Florida Highway Patrol.
O'Donnell was a two-time state diving champion in Massachusetts and was previously committed to continuing her athletic career at Williams College.
'I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process at Williams College!' she wrote in September, along with a picture of her in a Williams hoodie.
'Thank you so much to my family, friends, and coaches who helped me get to this point. Go Ephs!'
Wasserman was set to attend Syracuse University and loved giving back to her community. She also worked as a dance teacher and lifeguard.
'She was a talented writer who enjoyed writing poetry. Hannah loved the beach, sunsets, and adventures with family and friends,' her obituary said.
McIntosh was described as a 'caring and compassionate person,' and was going to attend the College of Charleston in the fall.
'Jimmy was magnetic from the day he was born, filling all the hearts he touched with love and joy,' his obituary said.
'Jimmy was incredibly independent, creative, intellectually curious, and enviably fashionable. He loved to make pottery, shop, travel, and especially spend time with his family and friends.'
