Fatal crash claims life of Jefferson teen

A fatal traffic crash on US 59 approximately one mile north of Queen City in Cass County claimed the life of 17-year-old Katelyn Mutai of Jefferson Sunday morning.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety Monday, a preliminary investigation indicates Mutai was a rear-seated passenger in a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban traveling southbound on US 59 and ejected from the vehicle as it left the roadway, rolling over several times..

Highway Patrol Troopers were notified of the crash at approximately 7:28 a.m., Sunday. Mutai died at the scene.

The driver of the Suburban, Nancy Pena, 17, of Linden, was taken to local hospital for minor injuries.

The Marion County Herald reported Sunday that DPS confirmed alcohol was not a factor in the incident and that Mutai was a student of Jefferson High School preparing for her senior year.

Services and arrangements are pending with Haggard Funeral Home.