Posted on Jun 06, 2012

Tessa Leffelman won’t be graduating this year. The 18-year-old resident of Grantsburg died in a Wisconsin car crash, just one week before she was scheduled to graduate from at Grantsburg High School.

The Burnett County car accident occurred Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 12:56 a.m. on North Williams Road in the town of Wood River. Tessa was driving south on a straight section of road approximately two miles east of the village of Grantsburg. Her car left the road and overturned, landing on its roof in a wooded area. Tessa died at the scene. No one else was involved in the accident.

The accident is still under investigation, but the Burnett County sheriff's department says excessive speed may have been a contributing factor to the crash. 

Unfortunately, this story is too common. Accidents among 16- to 18-year-old drivers peak in May, the same month as many proms and graduations. Parents can help teens stay safe by limiting passengers, restricting nighttime driving, requiring seat belt use, and discussing the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Parents should let teens know that they can call for a safe ride home, no matter what the circumstances. 

It is always sad when a teen is denied the chance to live out her dreams. Tessa was known for being friendly, with a nice smile. Counselors are helping students at Grantsburg High School handle the tragedy. The Wisconsin car accident attorneys at Hupy & Abraham would like to offer our condolences to Tessa’s family and friends.