16-year-old Persephone Berger was lying unconscious in the road when a police officer arrived at the scene. But the officer failed to see her and accidentally drove over the teenager. The tragic incident is now under investigation as her family, friends and classmates mourn her death.
It was early morning on Saturday, October 3, when police in St. Francois County, in Missouri, received a call about a person lying unconscious in the road.
An officer was dispatched to the scene on Davis Crossing Road. As the officer approached, he saw that the car that had made the call had its hazard lights on. But he did not see the person lying on the road and drove over her. The girl was later identified as 16-year-old Persephone Berger, according to People.
16-year-old Persephone died at the scene
After the accident, the officer contacted his supervisor and remained at the scene. A medical examiner later confirmed that Persephone had died. It remains unclear why the 16-year-old was lying unconscious on the road before the officer arrived.
An autopsy was performed on Monday, October 5. The initial results showed, according to authorities, no signs that Persephone had any prior physical injuries.
Instead, the injuries were consistent with those that could have occurred when she was struck by the police vehicle. Meanwhile, authorities are still awaiting the results of a toxicological analysis and the final autopsy report.
The investigation continues
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been tasked with conducting an independent investigation of the accident. The circumstances that led to Persephone lying unconscious on the road are also being investigated.
Meanwhile, family, friends, and classmates have said their goodbyes to the 16-year-old. On Monday, a memorial was held at West County High School, where hundreds of people gathered to honor Persephone.
“Our hearts go out to the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and everyone in the community who is affected by this heartbreaking loss,” the West County R-IV Schools district wrote in a statement.
The investigation into the tragic incident is still ongoing.
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