17-year-old killed in Steuben County crash

STEUBEN COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA) - A 17-year-old Orland girl is dead after a collision in Steuben County Tuesday morning.

Febie Booher died at the scene of the two-car crash near the intersection of State Road 327 and County Road 350 North.

A preliminary investigation indicates 36-year-old Jessica Gaetz was driving a 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck north on State Road 327 while Booher was stopped on County Road 350 North at State Road 327, according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. As Gaetz was approaching, Booher pulled in front of her.

Gaetz braked and swerved to avoid the collision but ultimately struck the driver’s side of Booher’s 2017 Chevy Malibu.

Steuben County EMS and Orland Fire Rescue attempted life-saving measures, and a request was made for a helicopter to take Booher to the hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Police note she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Gaetz suffered minor injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision.

The crash remains under investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.

Booher was a member of Fort Wayne Wolfpack Softball, a travel team in the region. A tribute by the team on social media described her as “an absolute darling, powerhouse player, an inspiring photographer, and great friend.”

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