June 8, 2008: Thoughts and prayers…

Dylan’s best friend was killed last night in Metropolis.  He would have been a senior this year.

Car Crash Kills Two Metropolis Teens

MASSAC COUNTY — A car crash in Massac County took the lives of two teenagers. Police say 17 year old Joshua Woods and 14 year old Mckenze Castaneda were both killed in a two car accident. It happened Saturday night around 5:30 at the intersection of Rt. 145 and Powers Church Road, just outside of Metropolis.

"There is nothing to indicate any kind of recklessness there’s no indication of any alcohol use by anybody involved in this crash," said Lt. Mike Hooks with the Illinois State Police.

Police say Woods was driving with his friends, Castaneda was in the passenger seat and Jordan Pannell was in the back, when 28 year old Colin Smith crashed into them. According to state police Woods was driving westbound on Powers Church Road, he had stopped at the stop sign, but when he pulled out onto 145 Smith was unable to stop.

"We don’t know why he pulled into the path of the truck or failed to see it, its not an obstructed view area, its a safe road its an open road area," said Hooks.

McKenze Castaneda died on the scene. When emergency crews arrived Woods was airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center but officers say he died early Sunday morning. Re-constructionists with the state police are investigating and talking to witnesses, putting together a picture of how the crash happened. Hooks says the process could take some time to complete.

"This crash was just an oversight by a driver that turned into a terrible tragedy," said Hooks.

Police say 16 year old Jordan Pannell received major injuries and was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. The driver of the truck, Colin Smith, was taken to Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Officers say his injuries should be survivable.

A visitation is scheduled for Castaneda at the Brookport Church of God on Tuesday night from five to nine. The funeral is at one on Wednesday also at the church. No word yet on services for Joshua Woods.