Tragedy in North St. Louis County: Three Killed, 12-Year-Old Seriously Injured in Late-Night Crash
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO — A devastating crash late Sunday night has left three people dead and a 12-year-old boy fighting for his life after a head-on collision in north St. Louis County. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. on Lewis and Clark Boulevard near Comet Drive, a stretch of road known for its high speeds and heavy traffic.
The crash involved two vehicles: a 2014 Chevrolet Caprice and a 2021 Nissan Altima. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Caprice, driven by a 25-year-old man, crossed the center line and collided head-on with the Altima. The impact was catastrophic.
Lives Lost in an Instant
The driver of the Chevrolet Caprice was pronounced dead at the scene. A 12-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Caprice sustained serious injuries and was rushed to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for emergency care. His current condition has not been publicly updated, but officials confirmed that he remains in critical care.
Inside the Nissan Altima were two young women, 20-year-old Dimenae Lashell and 21-year-old Ahmya (full name not released). Both women tragically lost their lives in the collision. Loved ones have since come forward to identify and remember them, painting a heartbreaking picture of two lives cut short far too soon.
A Scene of Devastation
When first responders arrived at the scene, they were met with wreckage strewn across the roadway. The front ends of both vehicles were completely destroyed, and the force of the crash indicated it was likely a high-speed impact. Emergency crews worked rapidly to extract the victims from the vehicles and administer aid, but for three of the individuals, it was already too late.
Cpl. Dallas Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that the cause of the crash is still under investigation. “We don’t yet know what caused the Caprice to cross the center line,” Thompson stated. “Our crash reconstruction team is analyzing the scene, vehicle data, and witness accounts to piece together exactly what happened.”
Remembering the Victims
Dimenae Lashell and Ahmya have been remembered by friends and family as vibrant, compassionate young women with promising futures. Tributes poured in on social media Monday morning as word of their passing spread through the St. Louis community.
“Dimenae was one of the kindest souls I ever met,” wrote one friend. “She had this way of making you feel seen and heard. She didn’t deserve this.”
Ahmya, who was described as having a love for music and family, was said to be “the light in every room she walked into.” A vigil is already being planned by friends and relatives, with candles and flowers placed near the crash site as a growing memorial.
The identity of the male driver in the Caprice has not yet been released by authorities, pending notification of next of kin. His connection to the 12-year-old boy is also under investigation, though early indications suggest they were family members.
A Community in Mourning and Searching for Answers
The tragic accident has shaken the north St. Louis County community and once again brought attention to the risks on roads like Lewis and Clark Boulevard. Known for a combination of high traffic volumes and sometimes reckless driving behavior, the area has seen its share of serious accidents.
Neighbors near the crash site expressed sadness and frustration. “I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and this road has taken too many lives,” said one resident. “We need better enforcement of speed limits and maybe more traffic calming measures.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles beforehand to come forward with information. Dashcam footage or eyewitness testimony could help investigators determine if excessive speed, impairment, distraction, or another factor played a role.
Support and Resources for Families
In response to the incident, local grief counselors and support services have been mobilized to assist the victims’ families and the community. The St. Louis Children’s Hospital is also providing updates on the condition of the injured child to immediate family members.
Crisis counselors will be available at local schools, especially if the young boy involved is identified as a student within the area.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered on the road. Three young lives—each with their own stories, dreams, and families—were lost in an instant. A young boy now fights to survive, and countless others are left to pick up the emotional pieces.
More information is expected to be released in the coming days as the investigation proceeds. In the meantime, the families of Dimenae Lashell, Ahmya, and the unidentified male driver ask for privacy, prayers, and space to grieve.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C at (636) 300-2800.