In a heartbreaking incident that has left a community in mourning, 11-year-old Queen Marie Stacy Norwood, affectionately known as “Queenie,” lost her life in a tragic car crash in Stockton, California. On the morning of August 27, 2024, a group of six children and teens, all under the legal driving age, took an SUV for a joyride that ended in disaster when the vehicle crashed into a tree.
The crash, which occurred around 7:45 a.m. on N. El Dorado Street, claimed the life of young Queenie, a beloved student at McKinley Elementary School. The other five children, ages 11 to 15, were also injured in the accident but are expected to survive. The impact of the crash was so severe that some of the children, including Queenie, were ejected from the vehicle.
“We have a party advising that one of the subjects that was ejected is not moving,” reported a first responder over the scanner as emergency crews rushed to the scene, told CBS News. Despite their efforts, Queenie was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving her family and community devastated.
Stockton Police Department spokesperson Officer Omer Edhah expressed the profound sorrow felt by both law enforcement and the community. “These are all very young children, between the ages of 11 and 15, and, unfortunately, one of them succumbed to their injuries. It’s disturbing,” Edhah said. “Our message to the community is to be mindful of where your children are, be aware of where your car keys are, and just be aware all around. We definitely don’t want to see a situation like this again.”
The loss of Queenie has sent shockwaves through the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD), where she was a student. SUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez offered her condolences, stating, “We are very sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took place this weekend. Anytime we lose a student, it affects the entire SUSD community. We have counseling and support available for our students and staff. Please join us in wishing the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by family friend Dorrell Wesson to help cover Queenie’s funeral expenses. “Queen Marie Norwood, 11 years old, gained her angel wings tragically and unexpectedly today, August 25, 2024,” Wesson wrote. “Queenie is a beautiful, intelligent, shining star, who has left this earth way too soon for those of us who know and love her.”
The GoFundMe page highlights the deep love and pride that Queenie’s parents, Lanequia and Tremaine, had for their daughter and calls on the community to support them in their time of need. “On behalf of the heartbroken Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, we’d like to thank anyone who can and finds it in their heart to assist with the funeral expenses of our beloved Ms. Queenie Norwood. We love you Baby Girl! Fly High Angel!”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including who was driving the SUV and how the group of minors obtained the vehicle. As the Stockton community grieves, Queenie’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.