17-Year-Old Carver Center Student Kayla Perry Killed After Towson Crash

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- One person has died after the crash that backed up roads in Towson Tuesday morning, police said Tuesday.

17-year-old Kayla Winter Perry, a senior at The George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, died from injuries sustained after she got out of her vehicle following a collision with a guardrail on Charles Street on her way to school Tuesday morning.

She was driving northbound on Charles Street at around 7:13 a.m. when she lost control of her Honda Accord and struck the curb, causing her car to ride up onto a guardrail and slide into a BGE pole. The pole broke and fell onto the ground, pulling wires tight across the north and southbound lanes of Charles Street.

Perry left her car and while she was standing outside the vehicle a box truck driving southbound struck the low-hanging wires which in turn struck and threw Perry onto the shoulder of the road.

Baltimore County EMS responded and initiated life-saving measures, taking Perry to Greater Baltimore Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.

Two other vehicles were also struck by the stretched wires, causing damage to both vehicles. One of the drivers suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

No other drivers involved had injuries, officials said.

Baltimore County Police closed northbound Charles Street between Kenilworth Drive and Chestnut Avenue. Major delays were seen in the area.

The serious crash was located at Charles and Bellona.

A driver was seriously injured after getting out of their vehicle, following a minor collision with a guardrail.

Police had asked that people avoid York Road, Charles Street and Kenilworth Drive and use Delaney Valley and Providence roads as alternate routes.

The Carver Center released a statement mourning Perry's death, and offering any support to students and staff who knew her.

"This morning, one of our Carver Center students was in a tragic car accident on the way to school. The details of the accident are still under investigation, but it is with great sadness that we share with you that one of our students passed away as a result of this accident.  With the family's permission, we will share additional information as it becomes available.  We recognize that this is a very difficult time for everyone in our school community.

The Baltimore County Traumatic Loss Team will be at Carver Center on October 23, 2019.  This team of counselors is specially trained in helping individuals cope with loss. They will work along with our school counselors and support staff to help students and staff affected by this sad news. They will continue to provide counseling and support to our students, families, and staff over the next several days.

Please talk with your student tonight about this event that has and will continue to affect many students and teachers in our school. Encourage your student to maintain their routine of attending school and, if needed, seek the counseling that is available.

Our school community is deeply saddened by this tragic event.  Our thoughts are with this student's family and friends during this difficult time.  If you find that you are in need of the resources above or have questions concerning this tragic incident, please do not hesitate to call us at 443-809-2775.  When such a tragedy touches a school, it affects us all."

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski also shared his condolences on Twitter, saying "My heart is broken for all who loved her."

In:
• Towson
• Fatal Crash
• Baltimore County