JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. – A Belle Rive family is mourning the loss of their 18-year-old daughter after a vehicle crashed into their horse-drawn buggy Monday.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, three women were riding the buggy on Log Cabin Lane and Goshen Road near Mt. Vernon when a white Dodge van hit them.
Dena Mast, 20 was driving the buggy with her two passengers, Elma Mast, 18 and Mary Mast, 21.
Police said Katlyn M. Catron, 32, was driving the van with a juvenile inside when they crashed into the buggy from behind, causing major damage and serious injuries.
Elma was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced shortly after arriving. Mary and Dena were flown to a St. Louis hospital for treatment. The family’s horse was also injured during the crash.
Catron and her passenger were not seriously injured in the crash. Police said the crash is still under investigation.
“The Sheriff and his staff send their deepest condolences to the Mast family during this time of tragedy,” said the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. “May God’s Grace cover them in their time of need.”
