Stockton, California – A devastating crash in Stockton over the weekend resulted in the death of an 11-year-old girl after an SUV driven by children and teens under the legal driving age crashed into a tree, authorities reported.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 25, at approximately 7:45 a.m., when Stockton Police officers responded to reports of a vehicle collision on the 5800 block of N. El Dorado St. Upon arrival, officers found six children and teens—five girls aged 11, 13, 14, 14, and 15, along with a 13-year-old boy—at the scene.
Tragically, the 11-year-old girl, identified as Queen Marie Stacy Norwood of Stockton, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The other five children were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Stockton Police Department confirmed that no adults were present in the SUV at the time of the crash, leaving many questions about how the children gained access to the vehicle. The authorities are currently investigating who was driving and how the SUV was obtained by the minors.
“This is an alarming incident,” said Stockton Police Department spokesperson Officer Omer Edhah, speaking to ABC 10. “These are all very young children, and unfortunately, one of them lost their life. It’s a disturbing situation.”
Officer Edhah urged the community to be vigilant, saying, “Be mindful of where your children are, where your car keys are, and who you allow access to your vehicle. We don’t want to see a tragedy like this happen again.”
Queen Marie Norwood, affectionately known as “Queenie,” was a student at McKinley Elementary School. In response to the tragedy, Stockton Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken by this tragic accident. The loss of a student impacts the entire community. Counseling and support are available for students and staff, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family.”
Our heartfelt condolences to Queenie’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who survived this tragic incident. May they find the strength and support they need to heal.
