Missouri Police Officer's Vehicle Hits Teenage Girl Lying on Road, Killing Her
In Missouri, USA, a police officer's vehicle struck and killed 16-year-old student Persephone Berger, who was lying on a road. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been asked to investigate independently.
In the U.S. state of Missouri, a vehicle driven by a police officer struck and killed 16-year-old student Persephone Berger, who was lying on a road in the early hours of Saturday, October 3. The outlet People reported the incident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the crash, so the case will be reviewed by an outside agency.
What happened
The St. Francois County Sheriff's Office received a report of an unresponsive person lying on a road. According to authorities, as the officer approached the scene, he noticed the hazard lights of a vehicle that was switched on, but did not see the person lying on the road and ran her over.
Family members identified the victim as Persephone Berger. The local coroner pronounced the teenager dead at the scene. The sheriff's office said that at the time it was not known what circumstances led to the victim lying unresponsive on the road.
Investigation
An autopsy was carried out on Monday, October 5. Its findings showed no sign of earlier physical injuries. Toxicology results and the final autopsy report have not yet been received.
Memorial event
On the same day, October 5, a memorial for Berger was held at Western County High School and attracted hundreds of people. In a statement, the school said its hearts were with the girl's family, friends, classmates, teachers and all community members affected by the loss.
