What should have been a happy event turned into tragedy in the United States on Thursday when a young woman died in a car accident shortly after her graduation.
The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Lauren Hewski, 18, returned home after graduating from Brookdale Community College’s pre-college program.
She was in a Jeep Cherokee – driven by a 17-year-old teenager – when the vehicle struck a utility pole and then overturned on its side, the New York Post reported on Saturday.
The young woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Lauren Hewski was a graduate of St. John Vianney High School and enrolled in an advanced program that enabled her to take courses at Brookdale Community College. She was also among the youngest graduates of that program, the university’s president, David M. Stout, told Asbury Park Press.
“Lauren was an incredibly intelligent and talented young woman who left an indelible positive impression on all of her teachers and classmates,” he said.
According to her high school principal, Margaret Kane, Lauren Hewski was “a talented student and athlete.” The community “has suffered a great loss,” she added.