A car left a rural Wright County road and struck a utility pole, killing the 16-year-old driver and injuring her two fellow high school students, authorities said Monday.

The crash occurred about 1:20 p.m. Friday at 10th Street and Garrison Avenue NE., southwest of St. Michael, Minn., according to the Sheriff's Office.

Leah Demessie, of Albertville, Minn., was taken by air ambulance to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale and died early that evening, according to the Hennepin County medical examiner's office.

Taken by ground ambulance to North Memorial and expected to survive their injuries were Olivia Wageman, 15, and Nicole Serpa, 16, both of Rogers, Minn., the Sheriff's Office added. The three had just finished their sophomore years at Rogers High School.

Demessie, who turned 16 in March, was limited to one non-familial rider under the state's graduated licensing, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"Her life had just began, she turned 16 and got her license, car and a job!" read a Web page set up by sister Ida Demessie.

Authorities have yet to say what caused the car to leave the road. All three were wearing their seat belts, the Sheriff's Office said.

Paul Walsh