Two 17-year-old passengers from Wisconsin died after a high-speed car crash on Hwy. 61, east of downtown St. Paul, late Friday night.
A Minnesota State Patrol report and a statement from the Prescott School District identified the victims as Cadence Allen and Ayden Nelson, both of Prescott, Wis.
An unidentified 16-year-old was driving with three passengers north on 61 at a "high rate of speed" when his Nissan Maxima veered off the road and went airborne, the State Patrol report stated. The car rolled and hit several trees before landing on its wheels, more than 40 feet from the road.
The driver and the third passenger, 17-year-old Bryndan Hartman, were taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment of their injuries. The survivors had been wearing seat belts, but the passengers who died had not used them, according to the patrol report.
Prescott High School hosted counselors and psychologists Saturday afternoon, and support staff would be available for students and community members throughout the week, according to a statement from the Prescott School District.
"Open communications between parents and children is very important," the statement read. "Listen, give reassurance, and try to understand your child's feelings. If you think your child is having a particularly difficult time dealing with this situation, please contact the school and we'll provide additional assistance as needed."
Reporter Dave Orrick contributed to this report.
