Teen Killed in Crash
Teen Killed in Crash Save Email Print
Police seek information on accident
Posted: 8:47 AM May 31, 2007
Last Updated: 1:27 PM Jun 1, 2007

A | A | A

Authorities say that a 16-year-old girl died in the hospital after she and two other teens were hurt in a traffic accident late Wednesday night. She is identified as Cady Reynolds. The accident happened at 132nd and West Center Road.

Police say that an SUV apparently T-boned another car at the intersection around 11 p.m.

Ms. Reynolds was driving the vehicle that was hit. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition with head injuries and later died.

A passenger, 16-year-old Grace Tunning, also suffered head injuries. She was listed in serious but stable condition Thursday evening.

Kathereine Hedgepeth, also 16, was driving the SUV. She was treated for neck pain and released.

Police say that Ms. Hedgepeth was eastbound on Center in a Chevy Blazer when she struck the Geo Prizm driven by Ms. Reynolds, who was traveling northbound on 132nd.

Early Thursday evening, many gathered at Marian High School to remember Cady. School officials say that more than 100 students gathered for a prayer service.

Head of School, Elizabeth Kish says, "She had so many goals and such a bright future ahead of her. She had the world on a platter."

Cady was a sophomore at Marian and Ms. Kish says she was a leader at school and in the community, active in student council, ministry and service clubs.

"She stood out," Kish said. "She was a go-getter. Her personality was absolutely spectacular; exuberant; likeable; very compassionate to others."

Police believe that there were witnesses to the crash but they left the scene before investigators could speak with them.

Omaha Police Sergeant Teresa Negron says, "In this instance, we've got information that there were more people than we spoke to so we're trying to find out who the people are who saw the crash and do interviews based on what they actually saw."

Police would like anyone who witnessed the accident to call 444-5627.

More Stories
Family Mourns Omaha's Latest Murder Victim

Gun Violation Found On MySpace

Park East Store Burglarized

Protection Order Violations

Fire at Omaha Apartment Complex Blamed on Electrical Problem

Ralston Celebrates Independence Day

Holiday Weekend Fireworks Displays

Man Drives Himself to Hospital after Shooting

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: stephanie on Apr 2, 2009 at 06:27 PM
your the best cady i was so sad to here that you passed away and i sill go to school with your sisters and they need you they always look so sad and they really truly love you and we all miss you you know my brother brandon hes he loves and misses you and all cadys friends we pray for you every day WE MISS YOU !!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 26, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Cady this is really sad to think about this but we all know that we will all die someday and it is gonna be okay. You are at a better place than us. I love you..and i miss you..♥

Posted by: random on May 31, 2008 at 12:28 PM
cady..we all miss you. i cant believe its been a whole year. we love you

Posted by: Cady g on May 28, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Cady its almost been a year and nobody dares to forget you. Sarah is one of my good friends and she misses you too, we will never forget you; your spirit lives on.

Posted by: Kristin on Jun 13, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Cadddy darling i love you so much and miss you. Please lets all forget about blaming anyone and accusing anyone, Cady would want us to all be smiling and to be forgiving. Marian...just wont be the same without you. Everyone needs to stick together right now, it has made a huge impact on many in the community. As for witnesses, please do the right thing, you may feel as though you are betraying a friend maybe, but think about everyone out there and how much they want to know what really happened. I love you cady, i think about you often and visit you often. Watch over us please girl, we'll need your smile, spirit, and care throughout the years.

Posted by: Annie on Jun 6, 2007 at 08:05 PM
I played softball for 6 years with Cady. She was always wearing a smile and encouraging everyone to try their hardest. When I first joined the team, I didn't know anyone. Cady introduced me to the girls on the team and that made me feel welcome. She was always a good sport about things. From what I recall, she never complained. She just encouraged us to try harder the next time. She never looked down upon you. She was such a sweet person, and I miss her a lot. I wish I would have stayed in touch with her after the team's last season of softball. The last time I saw Cady was at church. My family usually attends the services at St. John Vianney, but sometimes we attend services at Mary Our Queen. I never thought that Sunday in March would be the last time I ever saw her. This accident just goes to show that somebody's carelessness could cost a fun-loving person, such as Cady, their life. I will never forget the six summers I spent playing softball with her. She touched a lot of people's lives. Cady will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to her family. <3

Posted by: sarah on Jun 5, 2007 at 07:57 PM
i do not know cady but i know many girls who do. they all said she was always happy, smiling and sweet. my sister did know katie. they used to go to school together. it is a very tragic time and i pray for all of you. i also hope grace gets better soon and recovers safely. god bless each family.

Posted by: Lisa on Jun 3, 2007 at 01:04 PM
I am in the fortunate position to know both Cady Reynolds and Katherine (Katie) Hedgepeth. Katie, I know you are a strong person and Cady you are in a most blessed place now. I hope peace comes to all in need at this time. Remember as Catholics we are what we live, hopefully we are all living as we have been taught. Give unto others and peace will come to you. Many opportunities are open to Katie and Grace let us give our love and support.

Posted by: marian on Jun 3, 2007 at 02:20 AM
cady, we love you. you have changed so many lives forever. thank you. nobody that knows the love you share with us every day can possibly place blame, either way. it could have been any of us. i hope you are loving your new home, and you will always be in my heart. love you.

Posted by: EE on Jun 2, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Our prayers go out to Katy, Cady, and Grace and their families in this very hard and sad time. We are thinking of all of you

Posted by: maria on Jun 2, 2007 at 12:54 PM
she was my good friends older sister.. i remember we used to have tea parties and go down to the gas station to get a soda or sumthing and when she got older she didnt want to play with us.. she never yellled at us she would just comprimize.. i miss her terribly.. i remember her saying that i could tag along with her sister for big sis little sis day at marian because she knew i absolutly couldnt wait to go there.. she is always loved and never ever forgotton we all will mis you cady anne reynolds..

Posted by: kayleigh on Jun 2, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I didnt know the girl who died, though i will pray for her and her family. Grace Tunning is my teacher's daughter...

Posted by: vicki on Jun 2, 2007 at 08:30 AM
slow down decrease the speed limits in heavy traffic areas. It seems these days everyone is in a huge hurry to get to the next stop light. my thoughts are with everyone involved but maybe we should all think about slowing down. Life is too short.

Posted by: michaela on Jun 1, 2007 at 10:55 PM
I want to pray for the hearts and souls of the people that are writting on this post saying it is because they are 16 years old that they had the car crash. This could of happened to anyone, to a 25 year old, 50 year old and even a 70 year old. If this accident wouldn't of been three sixteen year olds, but 2 sixteen year olds and a 30 year old would you still be complaining about the driving age and how late they can stay out? Probably not. I am 18 years old and my curfew has been 12:30 since I was a freshman in high school and I have never had a ticket or gotten into a car accident. I was driving on the roads today and I saw many adults run red lights,speed up when it turned yellow to make it, how many turning into differnt lanes without there blinker on, people going WAY over the speed limit. I think it is rude and inconsiderate to the families that people are placing blame on how old these girls are. Cady has died, Grace is still in the hospital, and the Marian community (which I am part of) is suffering the loss of a friend and a sister. Let's stop focusing on the age and focus that the people who know Cady need support and answers questioned.

Posted by: megan on Jun 1, 2007 at 10:43 PM
cady was a grade ahead of me and she was soo sweet and it is horrible to lose her..my pryers are with the family and with her .God Bless cady and her family!

Posted by: Michelle and Maggie on Jun 1, 2007 at 10:38 PM
We didnt know Cady very well but we know the impact that she has made in many peoples lives. we have seen her before and we were both amazed my the happines she brought to people. she touched our lives in a way that no one else can. and we appreciate that a lot. Cady we are very sad about the tragedy and you will be in our hearts until we can see you in heaven.

Posted by: marian on Jun 1, 2007 at 09:49 PM
cady was someone who would brighten your day. i would like to know why everyone is trying to blame the girls for the accident. right now, we need to worry about the girls involved. not one of those families is ready for more hurt in their lives right now. imagine loosing a child who was loved by everyone..just think about it..how would you feel. Or, if your child was injured. at that time you would need to fochous on your child and not what everone else is thinking. instead of trying to blame people at this moment, just pray for them, thats all im asking. if you have ever had anything tragic happen in your family you will know exactly what im tring to say. I will miss you forever Cady and my thought and prayer will always be with you. you are in a better place now and i hope that God has touched your heart and made you feel a lot better on the inside and out. i just want to let you know that i miss you and i look at your picture and then i imagine how happy you are. my thoughts are with you and your family as they go through these tough couple of weeks. Miss ya!!

Posted by: Bill on Jun 1, 2007 at 09:03 PM
As I read through many of these comments here it brings back many difficult memories. I experienced a shockingly similar accident at the same intersection almost six years ago, and am still paying the price for someone else's mistake. It is not an "accident" when someone else clearly does not have concern for others at all...either by speeding because "they" feel they need to get someone quicker or just blantantly running traffic signals at night because they think no one is around...that is where the inexperience of a 16 year old driver comes in to play...by not driving or thinking a mile in front of you...As an OTR truck driver, I see this all the time. This is why I would have to disagree with Ross from Omaha's comment "It's amazing that people are concerned about 16 y/o's driving at night. My worry is when there are more vehicles out there at a time like rush hour. That is a more dangerous time then 10 pm when there are fewer cars out on the road." When your're only driving two feet in front of your vehicle, I'd rather see you stuck in bumper to bumper traffic than racing down a city atreet at night. Any time an incident like this occurs I relive my accident all over again... My prayers go out to the yougsters involved and their families...

Posted by: kim on Jun 1, 2007 at 01:32 PM
my thoughts and prayers go out to Cady's family.

Posted by: Amanda on Jun 1, 2007 at 01:23 PM
my dearest Cady, we have all missed you so much. our lives have been so changed by your loss. Everything is going to be so different now, without you with us. We miss you so much and im so sorry that this terrible thing happened to you. you will be in my prayers always and forever. love you so much and i cant wait to see you in hevan soon =] keep watching over us.

Posted by: Peggy on Jun 1, 2007 at 12:24 PM
As I read these comments I must ask why is it that most people need to blame something or someone for such a tragedy. Garry from upstate take note that you are required to take driver's education prior to obtaining a permanent license if you are under 18. You are also required to have a driver's permit (supervised driving only) for 6 months prior to your license. It appears that this was a horrific accident. I do not know the families of these girls but my heart truly aches for all of them. May God carry them through this awful time and we should all remember to let our children know every day how much we love them...

Posted by: Marian on Jun 1, 2007 at 12:11 PM
As you can see from all of the videos, Cady has touched almost every heart in Omaha. I can say that this accident has inspired me because of all the support that everone has given. Like many people have said, Cady would walk into a room with a smile on her face and it would make everyone happy. she was one of those girls that was never sad, angry, or depressed. She would always be motivated and cheerful. i just want to say that Cady, everone in the community will miss you and we will hold you very deeply in our heart along with everone else who was affected be this accident. I have been thinking about you ever since I heard what happened. and i know that you have touched a lot of peoples lives and you have made them stronger. thank you Cady Reynolds.

Posted by: Sara on Jun 1, 2007 at 11:30 AM
I just wonder how the parents of the three girls are doing, losing a child is the worst pain someone can have.

Posted by: Michelle on Jun 1, 2007 at 11:14 AM
This is sad and my thoughts and prayers go out to all familied involved, I hope and pray that witnesses come forward

Posted by: Sarah on Jun 1, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Wow. What a tragic event and all we can talk about is placing blame and whether or not 16 is old enough to drive /or/ drive after dark?! How sad. This could've happened to my teen driver or me or my husband or my best friend. We all make mistakes driving. Unfortunately, sometimes they end up being fatal mistakes. Do we make this much fuss if it happens to 3 adults? My best friend was having an awful day as an adult driver several years ago and ran a light and hit someone. Fortunately no one was injured, but it happens to a lot of people and I don't think arguing the driving age or placing blame is going to make anyone feel better or bring Cady back. It's awful and tragic and we should be praying for the loved ones of Cady, let the police do their job and let the living learn from this and move on and the rest of us stop sitting in judgement looking down our noses.

Posted by: Erin on Jun 1, 2007 at 10:57 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Reynolds family.

Posted by: Jane on Jun 1, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Cady was a sweet loving spirited girl. My daughter went to grade school with her. We need to put less focus on blame and focus on helping the families and friends through this terrible loss--I lived by 132nd and Center for many years it is one of the worst intersections in town, The investigation should be focused on outside factor not just the drivers age and why they were out late at night

Posted by: Kami on Jun 1, 2007 at 09:23 AM
People aren't trying to place blame; they are trying to prevent these tragedies. Contrary to what some of these posts indicate, these kinds of accidents are preventable. It actually DOESN'T happen at 11:00 A.M. as easily as it does 11:00 P.M. 2/3rds of all fatal crashes for 16 year old happen in the dark and before midnight. Also, 16-year-olds die in car accidents at three times the rate of 20-24 year-olds. It is not always experience related. The part of a 16 year old's brain that makes judgemental decisions is not developed entirely by this age. States with graduated liscence programs and restricted nighttime hours see crashes cut in 1/2. While this is a tragic occurrence, and some prefer to mourn, it is also entirely appropriate to question the laws that allow these tragedies to happen. Ignoring the facts doesn't help this child's friends. Changing the laws, however, may prevent more kids' deaths.

Posted by: Shannon on Jun 1, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Let's try not to focus on putting blame on this situation because the girls were teenagers. This could have happened to anyone at any age at any time of day. Let's remember that such a young girl has died and pray for Cady and her family and friends.

Posted by: Ann on Jun 1, 2007 at 08:49 AM
My son went to grade school with Cady.When he called me to say that she had died, I couldn't help but cry. Cady was the kind of young woman of every parents hopes and dreams.If you has ever met her you would know what I mean. We will not only continue to pray for Cady's soul, but for her family, and for the other young women who were hurt. I will also pray that whomever would have witnessed the accident will come forward.True,it will not bring Cady back,but it is the right thing to do.

Posted by: Brian on Jun 1, 2007 at 04:14 AM
The one thing that sickens me is that a lot of people are focusing on the age of the young ladies. Instead of focusing on what really matters is the lost of the life of Cady, and the two others that were injured. My condolences go out to the families and friends that must deal with this hard time. As for the education or changing the laws dealing with driving. The education can only teach you so much as most of already know the more you drive the better you become. I can see setting a time frame around the times that the younger drivers can be on the roads but things like work for those that have jobs need to be taken into consideration not just their age. As for the education or changing the laws dealing with driving. When we all started driving some weren't as skilled as they are now and some still could be better. But the experience that comes with driving also makes us more proficent

Posted by: rempe on Jun 1, 2007 at 12:09 AM
I was never very close to Cady but on the few occasions I have encountered her she was a truly amazing person to be around my prayers go out to the entire Reynolds family Cady if you can read this I hope you are having a wonderfull time in heaven

Posted by: Tammy on May 31, 2007 at 11:14 PM
This is tragic. The loss of a person's life in an accident of this magnitude, whether this was due to being young and inexperienced, or a careless driver, Cady is gone, Grace is in the hospital holding on to life. Cady will be missed by many and those surviving will live with the fact someone died in the accident thinking 'it could have been me'. Each will deal with the sorrow of this tragedy for the rest of their life. No matter who is at fault. If this were 3 people over the age of 35 in this same accident, the focus would not be on their age, the focus would be more on finding out what happened. Changing the laws to have drivers under 18 off the streets before 10 pm would not stop the teens from dying in traffic accidents. Some of these teen work until 10 pm during the summer. Buses stop running and have limited stops as you head out west in Omaha. Education is a start. Teach our children the responsibities that come with driving. There are organizations

Posted by: Anne on May 31, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Really? We are worried about what time of the day the accident happened? Really? A young woman lost her life, and two have had theirs changed forever. Life changes in a blink of an eye...it can happen at 11 am just as easy as 11 pm. Let's remember what is important here and pray for the families of all three girls.

Posted by: Robert on May 31, 2007 at 10:04 PM
As a parent of teen drivers, I know many safe teens. I have lived in different cities all across this country and will say, as a whole, Omaha drivers are terrible. In no other city do I witness so many drivers running redlights, especially left turns. When the light turns green, we cannot move forward as there will be another 2-3 cars continuing as if they have the right of way. Let's think of the example we set for our kids. My heart goes out to these families, all of them. It is every parents' worst nightmare.

Posted by: Chloe' Sorrell on May 31, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Cady is a beatutiful girl.I will never forget the joy she brought to people. My prayers go out to all the Reynolds. Cady is in Heaven watching over you. My deepest sympathy goes out to you. May God bless Cady and her whole family and may family and friends help you through this unfair and difficult time. God bless you.

Posted by: Joan on May 31, 2007 at 08:25 PM
These girls have been traumitized by the events that have unfolded, how is it that we are trying to place blame? Blame will not bring back the tender life that is gone, blame will not help the other girls involved live their lives, this for sure will be with both the surviving victims the rest of their lives. We as adults need to be helping these girls cope with more than any 16 year should have to. It has been released that drugs and alcohol were not a factor so it is just 16 year olds being 16 year olds. My heart goes out to Katherine Hedgpeth and her family as the press seems to be forgetting that no fault has been assigned (remember inocent until proven guilty) Has the press forgotton that theire are 3 victims here and all families need support at this time.

Posted by: samantha on May 31, 2007 at 07:39 PM
cady was a fantastic person and will be truly missed.

Posted by: linda on May 31, 2007 at 06:33 PM
I am a marian alumni and have sent two girls to marian. the marian women of omaha are praying for all three girls and there families. May God Bless all of you

Posted by: Kathie on May 31, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Where are the witnesses ??? It doesn't change the tragic results but it is a moral

Posted by: Anne on May 31, 2007 at 06:17 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all concerned. To Cady's family, I too have lost a daughter in a car accident. I promise it will get better, but never be the same. Know that others grieve with you, even those of us who do not know you!

Posted by: Michaela on May 31, 2007 at 06:14 PM
I went to school with Cady. She was loved by everyone. Her smile brightned the room more than anyone. She was active in studentboard and always made people laugh during their skits. My heart goes out to her family and that I will be praying for them. I will also keep Grace Tunning in my prayers so that she will get better. Cady we love you so much! Watch down on us.

Posted by: Omaha on May 31, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Please, lets not forget there were three young 16 year old lives that have been forever changed by this incident, the way we react will have impact on all who are helping them to deal with the devestating events that occurred! If no drugs or alcohol were found in any of the girls systems it might be safe to assume that two 16 year old inexperienced drivers ill equiped to deal with the life threatening events Wednesday night

Posted by: M on May 31, 2007 at 05:25 PM
Cady was an amazing friend to people in my church and commnity. If you can make time please come to Marian High school to pray and remeber Cady. Cady i will miss you. Remeber she is in a better place and will always be. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts.

Posted by: Maggie on May 31, 2007 at 04:59 PM
She was a great girl and will be missed. Grace get better.

Posted by: Ross on May 31, 2007 at 04:51 PM
It's amazing that people are concerned about 16 y/o's driving at night. My worry is when there are more vehicles out there at a time like rush hour. That is a more dangerous time then 10 pm when there are fewer cars out on the road.

Posted by: Marian on May 31, 2007 at 04:48 PM
I know a lot of people who have lost a best friend, Cady Reynolds. This makes you think about how we have to live everyday to the fullest because you never know when something little is going to end it all. My prayers go out to Cady and her family tonight. And especially everyone who has lost her as a friend, student, or daughter,ect. Even though I didnt know Cady personally i know that she was brought well by Mairan High school and even thought she has left everyone at Marian and all over Omaha will always have our thoughts and minds with her. God bless

Posted by: Wickert on May 31, 2007 at 04:24 PM
I have lost a number of people in my life. I can tell you only one thing. Do not think of death but of life. Cady is in heaven right now, looking down from heaven on you. She will watch over you always,as all my deceased relatives do for me. I will pray for you and Cady with all my heart. I offer up all my sufferings and trials for you and Cady. May the Holy Trinity watch over you and may the blessed virgin Mary watch over you. Amen.

Posted by: Joan on May 31, 2007 at 04:23 PM
I live not far from 132nd and Center. I had the windows open last night and heard the impact. There were no squealing tires just the impact, then sirens a short time later. This was an accident. Pray for this family's loss and for other young ladies healing. Its not a matter of age and driving, or what time of night it was. It was an accident. They happen daily, and to all ages, and at any time day or night.

Posted by: Grandmaster B on May 31, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Yes, this is a tragedy. All deaths are tragedies. However, do we know all of the details involving this accident? Would we be using the argument of age if there were two 40 year old drivers involved? If not, then what would their excuse be? If people believe that the legal driving age is too young at 16, then perhaps we should also require those 65 and over to take the road test on a bi-annual basis. There are certainly a fair number of senior citizens who should not be on the road.

Posted by: Brenda on May 31, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Oh my gosh. I was leave Dave and Busters at around 12AM. I saw the accident, and It looked so horrible, my friends and I prayed that no one got hurt. This is horrible, just horrible! :(

Posted by: Becca on May 31, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I love you Cady, no one will ever forget you, all you did was love.

Posted by: B on May 31, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Rob, i'm so sorry for your loss. May god be with you and your family.

Posted by: AWick on May 31, 2007 at 03:30 PM
This is so sad. My heart goes out for the Reynolds and I will pray for them.

Posted by: Marian Alum on May 31, 2007 at 03:29 PM
My heart goes out to all the families involved here. May the spirit of Marian and friendship help you heal. God Bless.

Posted by: Tony on May 31, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Maybe they should revise their teenage driving laws and make it where there is no driving after 10p until 6a

Posted by: Mary on May 31, 2007 at 03:18 PM
I am so very sorry for the families involved. Not looking forward to having teen drivers. Mine may not be allowed to drive that late. I'm not blaming the parents, they have enough grief, just wondering if 16 year olds should be driving that late at night. Maybe times have changed and I haven't. I need to ask those who know before I make that decision.

Posted by: Garry on May 31, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Ok folks. When is it going to end. Another 16 year old minor has died in a motor vehicle accident. When is this state going to up the legal driving age or force those wanting a license to attend driver education. In the past few months we have learned that for whatever reason(fault of the driver(s), through horseplay, inattention, or whatever we have lost another child to motor vehicle accidents. We need to open our eyes and mouths to the state legislators its time to get tougher on motor vehicle laws to include the age one can get a permanent drivers license. Ages 16 and younger is not acceptable. Growing up in upstate New York, we were required to attend Drivers Education at the age of 17 and get a permanent license at 18 years of age. This state needs to look at these laws again.

Posted by: Josh on May 31, 2007 at 10:55 AM
What a sad accident. my prayers go out to all of the families. 16 years old is so young to lose your life. its just so sad.

Special Sections