PLEASANTVILLE – A single vehicle accident in Warren County on Saturday afternoon resulted in the death of an area high school student.

According to traffic records, on Saturday afternoon at around 3:37pm, a 2007 Ford Focus driven by 16-year-old Isabella Ashford of Pleasantville was traveling eastbound on Highway 5 when it left the road near 200th Avenue. The driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to enter the ditch sideways. The vehicle rolled at least one time, coming to a rest on the driver’s side.

A passenger in the front seat was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. The passenger was identified as Donald McCormick, a Pleasantville High School junior. He was 16 years old. Traffic records show McCormick was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Ashford was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to Blanks Children’s Hospital in Des Moines for treatment of undisclosed injuries.

Pleasantville Community School District superintendent Tony Aylsworth issued a statement on the district’s social media announcing McCormick’s passing, stating “We extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the McCormick family, as well as Donald’s friends, classmates, teachers, directors, coaches, and all who knew him.”

“Donald was a valued member of our school community, and his loss is and will be felt deeply by all of us. We recognize that this news may bring about a range of emotions. Counselors and additional grief support staff will be available in the PHS Events Center starting Monday to meet with students and staff who may need someone to talk to. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

A vigil for Donald McCormick will be held tomorrow evening at the Pleasantville High School Events Center. From 5-7pm, adults, pastors, counselors, and therapy dogs will be present to offer additional grief support. From 7-8pm, a candlelight vigil will be held where people can share stories if they wish.