Breaking News for Culpeper and Warrenton Accident Victims

Teens Mourn High School Students Killed in Car Accident

Posted on Nov 20, 2008

Last week, three teenagers from Green Run High School were killed in a tragic car crash. The fatal accident occurred when their car hit a minivan on Salem Road in Virginia Beach. Monday, November 17, 2008, was the first day back to school after the three teenagers were killed. Green Run High School administrators took steps to help the high school students cope with their grief over the deaths of their fellow classmates.

Matthew Kirkbride, 18, Adam Sherman, 17 and Joseph Jenkins, 17, were fatally injured in the crash after the car they were traveling in crossed the center lane and collided into a minivan on Salem Road. The three young men had just left the Virginia Beach technical and career education center where they took classes.

Virginia State Police have stated that Kirkbride was driving the car at the time of the accident, Jenkins was riding in the front seat with Kirkbride and Sherman was sitting in the back. All three teens were wearing their seat belts, but the force of the collision was so severe, they were killed by the impact.

News quickly spread about the three deaths and students began bringing flowers and signs in remembrance of their friends and fellow classmates to the high school. Many Green Run High School students said that everyone knew the three young men and the sudden loss of their lives will be felt not only by the senior class, but throughout the high school.

“I think tomorrow is just going to be a really quiet day, just…I think everybody’s just going to be sad and try to remember them,” said Caroline Hutto, a Green Run High School student.

Teen drivers are frequently involved in fatal car accidents. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 77 teen fatalities caused by car accidents, compared with 92 deaths in 2007.