Nixa High School student dies after car runs off bridge, overturns in water

Vincenzo Keith, a 16-year-old student at Nixa High School, died Saturday after a car crash in Dallas County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Caravan, ran off the side of a bridge, overturning in the water, according to the online crash report. The incident took place 9 miles south of the city of Buffalo at about 1:27 p.m on Saturday.

The driver was 15-year-old Kyle Cooley, the report says, and a third occupant was 48-year-old Rachel Cooley.

Kyle and Rachel Cooley, both residents of Buffalo, suffered minor injuries, according to the report, but Keith suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy hospital. He later died of his injuries. All three were wearing seat belts, the report said.

Sgt. Jason Pace of the highway patrol said the road on which they were driving grades downward then has a right-hand curve prior to the bridge. The driver did not appear to be attentive to these conditions and was driving too fast, Pace said. Another car was coming the opposite way across the bridge, and Cooley swerved to avoid it and went off the side of the bridge, Pace said.

Pace said it's his understanding that Rachel Cooley is the mother of Kyle Cooley and that Kyle had a permit to drive.

Nixa Schools spokesman Zac Rantz confirmed that Keith, a sophomore, had died.

"Many children have been affected by this news," he wrote. "We encourage parents and families to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to their child during this time."

Nixa football coach Rich Rehagen spoke highly of Keith in a statement.

"We’ve lost a great student and player. He was a great kid. A hard worker. And always had a great attitude. His team will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”