Shakopee H.S. Student Killed In Crash, 2 Other Critically Injured

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 16-year-old Shakopee High School student is dead after a crash that left others critically injured in Scott County Thursday afternoon.

According to the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the single vehicle crash occurred at 3:11 p.m. near the 13800 block of Zumbro Avenue in Jackson Township.

Authorities say the vehicle was traveling southbound on Zumbro when it left the roadway, hit a field approach driveway and began to overturn.

Ja'Mason Moffett was killed in the crash and declared deceased at the scene.

Seventeen-year-old Sheikhnur Jimale is in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center, while Hannah Chance, 17, is listed as stable at the same hospital.

Khalil Watson, 20, was released from St. Francis Regional Medical Center. The driver was also released from St. Francis, but their identity is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.

The sheriff's office said it has not been determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

"It's always a tragedy when someone is injured or killed in an accident," Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen said. "But the pain is particularly acute when we lose one of our young people, taking with them the loss of their future and their potential, and leaving only grief for those left behind. We can only pray for the swift and complete recovery of those who are currently hospitalized, and for some semblance of eventual peace and consolation for the family and friends of the person who lost their life today."

"I didn't believe it. I was like no, it's just a rumor," said friend Airis Yorm.

It was a common reaction among the friends of Ja'Mason Moffett. By Thursday night, a rumor no one wanted to believe had become a sad reality.

"His best friend texted me and said 'Ja'Mason is dead.' I said- 'You're kidding.' He said, 'I swear,'" Yorm said.

On Friday morning, students brought balloons and flowers to the site where the 16-year-old lost his life.

"He was outgoing and talkative. He clicked with any person," friend Alena Qouanchal said.

"He was very social. A lot of people can get along with him," Yorm said. "Everybody is supporting him at school. We're all wearing white."

It was a sea of white at Eastview High School Friday night as teammates, parents, and even opponents honored the life of a Shakopee High School junior.

"You never want to bury a child," Ja'Mason's mother Susan Moffett said.

People have been coming by Susan Moffett's home offering food, hugs, and wood to keep a fire burning until her only child is laid to rest.

"It's been overwhelming, there's been so much love and support," she said.

Susan said it would be too difficult to go to the football game, but she did attend a service at Shakopee High School earlier in the day where students remembered their classmate.

After the football game ended, Susan was waiting at home to welcome Ja'Mason's friends over for food and talking.Just as she did, and just as she will continue for her son.

"I'm going to honor my son, hold my head high, and get through this."

Shakopee Public Schools released a statement Friday morning:

Hundreds of his classmates are mourning his death. A small memorial has been set up where the crash occurred, just southwest of Shakopee High School. Dozens of students are wearing white and carrying white roses as a show of remembrance for Moffett.

Shakopee High School plays Eastview High School Friday night in football and as a show of support, everyone has been asked to wear white to the game as well.

The crash is being investigated.