NORTHRIDGE STUDENT, 15, KILLED IN CRASH

By Student Reporter Jack Royer

TUSCALOOSA – A community is in mourning after a 15-year-old Northridge High School sophomore was killed in a wreck this morning.

The victim is Ariel Backstrom, who was a passenger in a 2004 Mazda 6 being driven by 16-year-old Brianna Hyche. Hyche was was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, where she is listed in critical but stable condition.

The three-vehicle collision happened on Rice Mine Loop, directly under Finnell Bridge in Tuscaloosa. Hyche lost control of her vehicle and collided with a 2014 Mercedes GL 450 that was traveling west on the road. The impact with the Mercedes caused the Mazda to turn sideways in the road before a 1999 Honda Accord collided with the Mercedes.

All Northridge High School events, including the community meetings scheduled for Thursday night at all Tuscaloosa City High Schools, have been cancelled as a result of the crash.

Northridge officials say counselors will be available today and tomorrow for grieving students. A prayer service will be held at the school at 7:40 Friday morning.