High school wrestler dies in jet ski accident after vehicle crashes into tree on land
Former high school wrestler, 19, is killed after he lost control of the jet ski and it crashed into a tree, also injuring his friend, 22
- Daegen Vaughn and Mason Sterner were riding a jet ski in Lake Weiss, Alabama, Saturday night when Vaughn lost control and crashed into a tree
- Vaughn died at the scene, while Sterner was transported to a hospital
- A native of Summerville, Georgia, Vaughn was a standout high school wrestler and a “fine young man”
A young man died and another person was injured in a jet ski crash on an Alabama lake over the weekend after the vehicle went ashore and crashed into a tree. according to officials.
Daegen Vaughn, 19, and Mason Sterner, 22, were riding a jet ski on Alabama’s Weiss Lake Saturday night when the 2021 Yamaha WaveRunner grounded and crashed into a tree, authorities said.
Vaughn, who was driving the jet ski, was pronounced dead at the scene and Sterner was taken to a hospital in Georgia with injuries.
Police would not say what caused the collision.
Daegen Vaughn, 19, was killed in a jet ski accident Saturday night while out for a ride on Alabama’s Weiss Lake. His mother shared a photo taken hours before the wreck in a tribute on social media
Vaughn apparently lost control of his jet ski and crashed into a tree. His friend, Mason Sterner, was also injured
The teen was a recent graduate of Georgia’s Trion High School and is remembered as a “star” wrestler and football player.
Vaughn won over 100 matches during his high school wrestling career, making him a “standout” statewide, according to AllOnGeorgia. In 2019, his team placed second at the state championships.
A Facebook post from a neighboring high school described Vaughn as “such a fine young man.”
“He was a team player who did what was asked of him and he always supported his teammates!!! Proud to be able to coach Dago.’
One of Vaughn’s high school teachers, Rhonda Williams, wrote on social media that Vaughn helped her have “one of my all-time favorite school years” when he was in her English class.
“I am so saddened by this loss, but so happy with the memories I have of this precious young man,” she wrote.
The crash occurred at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night at Alabama’s Weiss Lake, and police are continuing their investigation
Lake Weiss is about four hours from Summerville, Georgia, where both young men lived
Vaughn recently graduated from a high school in Georgia where he was hailed as a standout wrestler and football player
Vaughn’s grieving mother, Taylen Vaughn, shared a photo of her late son taken just hours before the fatal accident, writing, “If I could go back I would hold you tight and never (have) let you go.”
“I love you so much little boy. My life will never be the same without you.”
The crash is still under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Both young men involved in the crash were residents of Summerville, Georgia, about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta.