Florida Spring Break Ends in Loss
The Concord-Carlisle High School community is grappling with grief following the tragic loss of three seniors, Jimmy McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O’Donnell, who were killed in a car accident during their spring break trip in Florida. This devastating crash occurred on Monday, April 21st, and also left a fourth student critically injured, turning what should have been a joyful break into a tragic heartbreak.
McIntosh, Wasserman, and O’Donnell were vibrant members of the Class of 2025, each leaving a permanent mark on the school and the wider Concord and Carlisle communities. Their sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the student body, faculty, and families, leading to an outpouring of support and remembrance. Jimmy McIntosh, a Carlisle resident, was known for his bright spirit and enthusiasm. Hannah Wasserman, a Concord native, was cherished for her creativity and warm heart. Maisey O’Donnell, also from Concord, was a two-time state diving champion, and she was admired for her dedication and talent in the pool. All three were 18 years old and looking forward to their futures, with plans to attend Syracuse University, Williams College, and the College of Charleston in the fall.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the four students were traveling in an SUV driven by McIntosh on U.S. Highway 98 when it collided with a tractor-trailer making a U-turn in a median. The impact caused the SUV to cross the median and the eastbound lanes before coming to rest in a wooded area. Jimmy and Hannah were pronounced dead at the scene, while Maisey succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. The fourth student remains in critical condition.
Due to this tragedy, Concord-Carlisle High School has opened its doors for grief counseling, providing a space for students and staff to process their emotions and support one another. A community-wide gathering was held on Sunday at the school’s Memorial Field, offering an evening of remembrance, connection, and hope. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter, along with school principals and representatives from the families, shared messages of comfort and remembrance. The event also featured music and moments of silence to honor the lives of these remarkable young people.
“We are all devastated beyond what we can understand today,” Dr. Hunter said in a message to the community. “I know that the difficult days ahead will be ones we face together.” The outpouring of grief extends beyond the school, with many in the neighboring towns of Concord and Carlisle feeling the weight of this loss. O’Donnell’s involvement as a lifeguard and diving coach at the Wedgewood Club in Bedford has also deeply impacted that community.
As the Concord-Carlisle community begins the difficult journey of healing, the memories of Jimmy, Hannah, and Maisey will undoubtedly live on. Their bright smiles, their contributions to their school, and the love they shared with their friends and families will not be forgotten. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment and every connection we have. The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the entire school and local community remain with the families and the student who is still recovering.