Grief counselors at Leesburg High after student killed in Sumter crash

The Lake County school district is offering comfort to Leesburg High School students dealing with their emotions after a classmate was killed early Sunday in a Sumter County car accident.

Jakeila Young, 17, was killed after her Hyundai Sonata left the roadway and hit a tree on County Road 221, just south of County Road 232, shortly before 1:30 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins said.

In response, district spokeswoman Sherri Owens said Monday, “We have grief counselors at the school this week for any students or staff who may need their services.”

Troopers don’t believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. Jakeila was not wearing a seat belt, Gaskins said

Three of her passengers, Jhamoni Hallback, 15, of Leesburg; Makayla James, 15, of Inverness; and 1-year-old Denzel Smith of Wildwood also were injured in the crash. Hallback and James were both seriously injured while the baby sustained minor injuries, troopers said.

Jakeila was a former student at Carver Middle School and a senior at Leesburg High School, according to a Facebook post from the middle school.

Staffer Jerry Fallstrom contributed to this report. Michael Williams can be reached at miwilliams@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5022 or @michaeldamianw.

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