Honor roll student tries to jump bridge, dies in crash, 2 injured

An 18-year old female freshman from Western Michigan University was killed and her two passengers were injured after a car crash in western Michigan on October 13.

Emily Lauer, who recently graduated with honors from Paw Paw High School earlier this year, was speeding on an unpaved road and attempted to drive the 2000 Pontiac Grand Am to go over a small bridge while airborne. Lauer lost control of her vehicle, struck a tree, rolled over, and landed upside down.

Authorities found her pinned in the car and extricated her using the Jaws of Life. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her back seat passenger, an 18-year old male, sustained serious head and facial injuries. A 16 year old was injured while riding in the passenger seat. All three wore seat belts and authorities believe alcohol was not a factor in the accident.