LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. – A rollover car crash in rural Lincoln County killed three teenagers and sent two others to the hospital early Sunday morning.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 3:40 a.m. on South Chantilly Road, south of Ethington Road.

State troopers said that a 2008 Ford Focus was driving north when it briefly flew into the air, skidded off the road, hit a tree, and flipped over.

Three of the car’s occupants – 15-year-old Kaeden Tyler, a 17-year-old girl, and 18-year-old William Flickinger, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another 17-year-old girl and 20-year-old boy were airlifted to Mercy Hospital, St. Louis.

Tyler’s family shared that he had a heart of gold and loved spending time outdoors, playing baseball, and cooking. Friends and family created a memorial in Lincoln County to remember Kaeden and the other teenagers who lost their lives in the crash.

The three teenagers who lost their lives all went to school together in Troy, Missouri. 

The Lincoln County R-III School District issued the following statement late Sunday:

“The Lincoln County R-III family was heartbroken to learn of the deaths of three of our students and the critical condition of another. We extend our sympathy and condolences to the families of the students and all individuals impacted by this tragedy. Tomorrow and throughout this week, district crisis counselors will be on-site at Troy Buchanan High School, New Horizons High School, and the Ninth Grade Center to work with students and staff. Additionally, school counselors are on-site at all of our school locations for any individual that would like to reach out. We will continue to support the family, students, and staff in the coming days and weeks.”

State investigators believe speed played a factor in the crash. According to the crash report, no one involved in the crash was wearing their seatbelt