ST PAUL, Minn. — Two Prescott High School students died in what investigators are calling an "airborne" crash off Highway 61 in St. Paul late Friday.
According to Minnesota State Patrol, the driver of the vehicle - a 16-year-old boy who has not been identified - lost control of a Nissan Maxima, which was traveling "at a high rate of speed." The car then rolled, went airborne and crashed into "several trees."
The vehicle ended up landing on its wheels, but not until it had rolled approximately 40-50 feet from the highway.
Three 17-year-old male passengers were also inside the car. Prescott superintendent Rick Spicuzza confirmed in a letter obtained by KARE 11 on Saturday that a current Prescott student, Cadence L. Allen, and a former student, Ayden P. Nelson, both died in the crash.
A third Prescott High School student, 17-year-old Bryndan Hartman, was taken to Regions Hospital and is being treated for injuries.
Prescott is less than two miles from the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
Superintendent Spicuzza said in the letter: "The death touches everyone at our school and Prescott Community. When a student dies, children react in different ways... The Prescott School District extends our deepest sympathy to family, friends and staff."
An accident report on the State Patrol website said both of the teens who died were not wearing seatbelts.
KARE 11's Samie Solina spoke with superintendent Spicuzza, who mentioned that the families of the teenage victims are asking the public for privacy.
There will be counselors and extra staff on campus Monday to help students who are struggling after the fatal crash.
KARE 11 will update this story as more details become available.
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