BOONE COUNTY — The Boone County Sheriff's Office on Friday released its findings in a now-closed investigation into a September 2021 crash that led to the deaths of two teenagers and injured four others.
Officials say several factors played a role in the crash, including high speed, failure to use headlights when required, disregarding a stop sign, a lack of knowledge of the area, and driver impairment from THC.
"This is clearly a heartbreaking tragedy for everyone involved. We have been completely transparent to everyone during this investigation. Losing a child is absolutely devastating. The Boone County Sheriff's Office has investigated and presented factual evidence of what occurred the night leading up to the crash, during the crash, and following the crash," Boone County Sheriff Michael Nielsen said in a statement.
The crash resulted in the deaths of the 14-year-old driver, Nazire Parks, 14, and the 13-year-old front passenger, Kamyla Young. Four other people — two 12-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old — were injured and taken to area hospitals.
It happened around 5:30 a.m. Sept. 13, 2021, on State Road 32 near County Road 650 East, police said. The driver was fleeing in a police chase that started in Lawrence.
Boone County Sheriff Michael T. Nielsen said the chase was terminated somewhere on Interstate 65. No Boone County deputies were involved in the chase.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office Lawrence Police were in a pursuit with a Kia Soul for about 15 minutes at approximately 4 a.m. the day of the crash.
At 4:23 a.m., the Boone County Communications Center received a call about a vehicle accident. A deputy found Lawrence Police Officers attempting to render aid to the six juveniles in the Kia, which had hit a tree head-on.
LPD Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff said Lawrence officers weren't in an "active pursuit" when the crash occurred.
"It is not the investigators or this office's responsibility to review policy or protocol from any other agency. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the parents and to the family of the children involved in this crash as well as to the officers involved in the investigation," Nielsen said.
WRTV Digital Content Producer Andrew Smith contributed to this report.
-
Ceasefire Indy holds 4th annual Friendsgiving to serve community, honor Ron Gee
Ron Gee would cook the food for the annual event himself to feed as many people as he could ahead of Thanksgiving. Now, in his absence, his family continued the Friendsgiving in his honor.
1 critically injured, 1 killed in shooting on Indy’s east side
One person was critically injured, and one was killed in a shooting on the east side of Indianapolis early Sunday morning.
Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week
Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. Here's what to be prepared for.
Man killed in shooting on Indy’s northeast side
One person died after being shot in the 2400 block of East 38th Street on the northeast side of Indianapolis Saturday night.
