3 Alabama high school students killed in Christmas night crash

Three Alabama high school students were killed, and two others injured in a horrific crash on Christmas night.

The dead were all cheerleaders at Geneva High School, said Geneva County Coroner Donny Adkinson.

The crash happened when their car ran off into a wooded area. The tragedy was first reported by WTVY in Dothan.

The victims are Cassidy Dunn, Emilee Fain and Addyson Martin. Two other girls suffered serious injuries, one of whom was taken to a Birmingham hospital.

Coroner Donny Adkinson said Addyson Martin, Emilee Fain, Cassidy Dunn and two other friends had been together for Christmas at someone’s home and were headed elsewhere in small sport-utility vehicle that left a road and crashed into trees. #fox5atl https://t.co/9Pb1H9d8U5

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) December 26, 2019

Geneva police Lt. Michael McDuffie told AL.com the crash happened about 6 p.m. The victims, he said, topped a hill, lost control and the vehicle hit a tree. They had to be extricated from the wrecked car. Dunn, Fain and Martin were pronounced dead on the scene.

“The three that were deceased were in the front seat of the car,” Adkinson said.

Police investigators were back on the crash site Thursday morning. McDuffie said they were mapping the scene and collecting other evidence.

“We’re not sure for what reason they lost control, but it hit a big oak tree,” McDuffie said. “It could have been a deer ran out in front of them.”

On the department’s Facebook page Wednesday night, they posted, “Were asking prayers for several families in Geneva tonight. No details. God knows the request! Thank you, Chief Clemmons.”

According to Geneva City Schools, the First Baptist Church Geneva sanctuary will open today at 10 a.m. where ministers and counselors will be available to minister to students and families in the community.

Tragic news from Geneva, Alabama. Three students from Geneva High School were killed in the single vehicle crash on Christmas. The three students are identified as Cassidy Dunn, Emilee Fain, and Addyson Martin. https://t.co/zpSMuLxQbt pic.twitter.com/nXRzFc1737

— Judd Davis (@BamaJD) December 26, 2019

McDuffie said the victims were involved in numerous school and community activities including volleyball and cheerleading. They were all 16 and 17 years old.

“These young ladies were very active in the school,” McDuffie said. “It’s a tremendous loss for the community.”

“We’re just asking for prayers for the families and the first responders,” he said.

Geneva, a town of about 4,400 people, is located near the Florida line more than 100 miles south of Montgomery.