SUV Taken for Ride by 6 Children and Teens Crashes into Tree, Killing 11-Year-Old Passenger: 'Heartbroken'

Mar. 15, 2025

Queen Marie Stacy Norwood.Photo:Gofundme

Gofundme

Six children and teens under the legal driving age who took an SUV out for a ride in Stockton, Calif., over the weekend crashed into a tree, killing an 11-year-old girl, authorities said.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, at about 7:45 a.m. local time, officers responded to a report of a vehicle that had struck a tree on the 5800 block of N. El Dorado St., the Stockton Police Department said in a statement shared onFacebook.

Officers found five girls — ages 11, 13, 14, 14, and 15 — and a 13-year-old boy, at the scene, police said in the statement.

“We have a party advising that one of the subjects that was ejected is not moving,” a first responder said over a scanner,CBS Newsreported.

It is believed that no adults were in the car with the children, police said,the Associated Press and KBAKshared.

The 11-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries at the hospital as a result of the crash, police said.

Scene of the car crash that killed 11-year-old Queen Marie Stacy Norwood in Stockton, Calif.ABC10/YouTube

ABC10/YouTube

The other five were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office identified the 11-year-old victim as Queen Marie Stacy Norwood, of Stockton,ABC 10noted.

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Calling the accident “alarming,” Stockton Police Department spokesman Officer Omer Edhah told ABC 10, “These are all very young children, between the ages of 11 and 15, and, unfortunately, one of them succumbed to their injuries. It’s disturbing."

“And our message out to the community is be mindful where your children are, be aware of where your car keys are, be mindful of who you give your keys to and just kind of be aware all around — definitely don’t want to end up in a situation like this again,” he added.

No adults were believed to have been in the car with the children, police said, per ABC 10. The outlet also noted that authorities aren’t sure who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash and are investigating how the minors were able to access the SUV.

It is unclear whether any of the children’s parents will face charges.

Norwood was a student at McKinley Elementary in Stockton, according to ABC 10.

“We are very sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took place this weekend,” SUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez said in a statement, per ABC 10.

“Anytime we lose a student, it affects the entire SUSD community,” she wrote. “We have counseling and support available for our students and staff. Please join us in wishing the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.”

In aGoFundMeset up to help cover funeral costs, organizer Dorrell Wesson wrote, “Queen Marie Norwood, 11 years old, gained her angel wings tragically and unexpectedly today, August 25, 2024.”

source: people.com