15-year-old East Jessamine student dies in crash

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 15-year-old Nicholasville girl was killed in a crash on Saturday night. Her name was Aubrey Howard, a student at East Jessamine High School.

The sheriff’s office says the crash happened just before 9 P.M. on Union Mill Road about four and a half miles East of Nicholasville.

An SUV driver lost control when heading westbound toward Nicholasville and seemed to over correct, traveling off the road on the opposite side and hitting a tree.

The driver and three passengers were taken to UK hospital where Howard was pronounced dead.

The sheriff’s office says this is the third fatality it’s worked this year and the second within a week.

Emotions filled the room Sunday evening as East Jessamine High School students and community members came together to grieve and pray.

Several students were sobbing and comforting each other after one of their own died in a tragic crash.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, we are a very loving and caring community and we are going to do everything we can to come together as a community to support everyone through this crisis.”

Friends say Aubrey Howard was a vibrant East Jessamine Sophomore. Three of her friends are currently in the hospital.

Friends say the turnout at the vigil and the memories shared, show just how close the community is. Her teachers say she and those involved in the crash touched many lives.

“Certainty just someone that brought joy and cheer to this school and touched many many hearts and touched my heart and a wonderful family, and that goes for all of the students involved. Coming from wonderful families and wonderful kids.”

The high school pastor sent messages of hope and healing to the students and families. After the vigil counselors were on hand for anyone who needed to talk.

“We have a counseling deployment team, we will be using our counselors as well as counselors from Jessamine County Schools and also Southland Christian to provide some support for us in the morning. So we are just going to do all we can for provide that support for students and teachers and staff that are grieving.”

The school’s principal says there is a lot of healing to come down the road.