HENRY COUNTY — A 15-year-old girl was killed in a crash in Henry County on Monday night, according to Indiana State Police.
Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash at approximately 9:50 p.m. near the 4000 block of S. Kennard Road.
Henry County Sheriff's Department said they arrived to the scene withing two minutes of the call.
According to preliminary investigation, police believe a 2008 Chevorlet Cobalt driven by a juvenile from New Castle was driving northbound on Kennard Road near Country Road 540 S. For an undetermined reason, the Chevrolet left the roadway, went into a field, and overturned on the driver's side, police said.
Despite life saving measures, a 15-year-old girl sitting in the backseat passenger seat was pronounce dead at the scene. She was identified as Jeneka Lancaster.
According to police, she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver and another female in the front seat passenger were also treated at the scene for non-life threatening injuries.
Police say there is no further information to release at this time.
Tri Jr. Sr. High School, where Lancaster attended released a statement on the incident stating that her mother was a member of the high school staff.
In response to this tragedy, area clergy and grief counselors were on hand throughout the day today, along with a therapy dog, to provide extra support for students and staff. We are doing everything we can to help your child and our staff through this difficult season of life.
A young person's death is always tragic, and a sudden loss like this can have a profound effect on others. We encourage you to talk with your child as death impacts each of us in different ways. How children and teens react depends on the relationship they had with the person who died, their age, and prior experience with death. Even if your child did not know Jeneka, hearing about a young person’s death can trigger feelings of sadness, fear, and anger. Any reaction is normal in the grief process. Some children appear unaffected. Some ask many questions, withdraw, are moody, sad or depressed, become scared, or have difficulty sleeping or eating. Your child may also have unresolved feelings that they would like to discuss with you. You can help by listening carefully, not overreacting, and accepting their feelings.
According to the school, arrangements for Jeneka are pending.
Additionally, all events scheduled at the school for this evening have been canceled or postponed. The school will return to a normal schedule on Wednesday.
