9-year-old Payton Crustner’s first day of fourth grade ended in tragedy. While her family took a photo to mark the occasion, they were involved in a deadly car crash on their way to school. Payton’s mother, Miranda, was driving when 18-year-old Marcus Wayne Dukes veered into oncoming traffic, causing a collision. Payton was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Miranda and the others, including a 3-year-old, suffered minor injuries, but Payton’s seatbelt failed to keep her secure. A GoFundMe page raised nearly $18,000 for the funeral. This heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder of the importance of seatbelt safety.