Shakopee High School student killed, 4 others injured in crash
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KMSP) - A Shakopee High School student was killed and two other people were critically injured after a single-car crash Thursday afternoon in Jackson Township, Minnesota. The Scott County sheriff's office and Shakopee Public Schools identified the student killed in the crash as 16-year-old junior Ja'Mason Moffett.
"Heavy hearts this morning for the entire Shakopee community and Shakopee High School," the school district said in a statement. "A tragic car accident took place yesterday afternoon south of town. Five people were involved in the accident. One of our students, Ja’Mason Moffett, was killed in the accident. He was an 11th grader at Shakopee High School. Counselors are at the high school today to talk with students and staff who may need support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ja’Mason's family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the other individuals involved in the accident as well as their families."
What happened
Shortly after 3 p.m., the Scott County sheriff’s office responded to a single-car crash near the 13800 block of Zumbro Avenue. The car was traveling south on Zumbro Avenue when it left the road, hit a field approach driveway and began to overturn. Moffett died at the scene, two people were critically injured and two others sustained lesser injuries.
"It's always a tragedy when someone is injured or killed in an accident," said Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen. "But the pain is particularly acute when we lose one of our young people, taking with them the loss of their future and their potential, and leaving only grief for those left behind. We can only pray for the swift and complete recovery of those who are currently hospitalized, and for some semblance of eventual peace and consolation for the family and friends of the person who lost their life today."
Status of people involved in crash
The driver was released from St. Francis Regional Medical Center. The driver’s identity is being withheld by law enforcement due to data privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation. At this time, it has not been determined if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol are investigating the crash.
The four passengers who were in the vehicle have been identified as:
Sheikhnur Jimale, 17, of Shakopee. Listed in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Hannah Chance, 17, of Shakopee. Listed in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Khalil Watson, 20, of Burnsville. Released from St. Francis Regional Medical Center.
Ja'Mason Moffettt, 16, of Shakopee. Deceased at the scene.
Remembering Ja'Mason Moffett
Ja'Mason Moffett's friends said the Shakopee student was the fun, honest guy everyone wanted to know. Friday morning, posters with the hashtag #ShakoStrong were filled with colorful, memorial messages.
"We are #SaberStrong," the school posted on Facebook. "Our high school students are honoring Ja’Mason Moffett with words of love and remembrance.