RICE COUNTY—Law enforcement in Rice County are sharing details of a violent rollover accident that could have been tragic.
"This Could Have Been a Funeral."
On Saturday. night, deputies responded to a rollover crash involving a 16-year-old driver on Avenue N between 13th and 14th Roads in rural Rice County, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office. The teen had just left an underage drinking party. "Looking at the vehicle, it’s clear—this young man is incredibly lucky to be alive."
"We understand that teens will make mistakes. It’s part of growing up. But some mistakes carry life-altering consequences. That’s why we have a duty not only to respond, but to hold people accountable.
"We're glad on Mother's Day that this mother doesn't have to remember this day as the day she lost her child year after year. We will be pursuing charges related to this crash."
"We will also be holding the adults responsible for hosting and allowing underage drinking to occur on their property.This isn’t about being harsh—it’s about protecting lives. Because the next time, it might not be a crash with a lucky ending. It might be a call no parent ever wants to get and a notification no deputy wants to give."
"To the young people of Rice County: we care about you. We want you to grow, succeed, and live long enough to learn from your mistakes. But we also need you to know—once you choose to drive under the influence, that mistake becomes dangerous for everyone on the road.If you ever find yourself at a party and need help—call us, your parents, or a trusted adult. We’ll come. No judgment. No charge. Just a safe ride home.But if you choose to drive impaired, accountability will follow."