The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigation team is investigating a serious crash that occurred Friday night at the intersection of Emerald Coast Parkway and Trista Terrace Court in Destin, leaving several local high school students hospitalized.
The crash involved students from both Destin High School and the South Walton area, according to school officials. Destin High School Principal Dr. Diane Kelley visited one of her students and his father at the hospital Friday night, where the student was scheduled for surgery.
“I promised to have his favorite foods waiting, once he is out of surgery,” Kelley said in a statement to school families.
- Additional students from the South Walton area are receiving treatment at various Gulf Coast area hospitals, according to the school. The exact number of injured students has not been specified.
The sheriff’s office noted that its Traffic Homicide Investigation team responds to all crashes involving a fatality or serious injury that could result in a fatality. The westbound lanes of Emerald Coast Parkway were temporarily closed following the incident but have since reopened.
Addressing the school community’s response to the incident, Kelley expressed concern about misinformation spreading online. “This news has taken a toll on our school community, especially the students and staff, as false rumors circulated quickly online,” she said.
To support those affected by the crash, the school is taking immediate action.
- “Our Shark Counseling team will be on campus Monday to assist any students or staff who may need extra support,” Kelley said. “I will personally be coordinating support for the student’s family, as needed.”
Kelley concluded her statement by asking the community to “keep the impacted families, as well as our Sharks and the Seahawk community, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
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