FRANCOIS COUNTY — The Missouri State Highway Patrol will lead an independent investigation into the death of Persephone Berger, a 16-year-old who died after being struck by a St. Francois County Sheriff's Department deputy's vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Saturday in St. Francois County, Missouri.

Berger was pronounced dead at the scene. A deputy was responding to a call regarding an unresponsive person lying in the road when the collision occurred. The deputy saw the vehicle of the caller with its hazard lights on but did not see Berger lying on the road before striking her.

Preliminary autopsy findings indicated Berger's injuries were consistent with being hit by the deputy's vehicle and showed no evidence of previously existing injuries. Authorities are awaiting the results of a toxicology report. The identity and status of the deputy involved in the incident have not been publicly released.

The St. Francois County Sheriff's Department stated that the deputy did not leave the scene and immediately notified his supervisor. The Sheriff's Department stated the incident was not the result of a vehicle pursuit, contrary to social media claims. The St. Francois County Sheriff's Office is investigating the events that led to Berger being found on the road prior to the collision.

Kimberly Cabuchola, Berger's aunt, stated that law enforcement initially told the family that Berger was involved in a hit-and-run. Cabuchola stated that only the coroner contacted Berger's father, Jarred Berger, about his daughter's death during the first three days.

Sgt. Dallas Thompson, a Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesperson, stated he did not have a timeline of communications between the sheriff's office and the family. "I do not have a timeline from the sheriff's office of what they talked to the family about or when." Thompson said.

What's New

Students at West County High School wore pink on Monday in honor of Berger. Berger's family described her as an avid Harry Potter fan. Hundreds of mourners attended a vigil for Berger.

Why It Matters

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is a statewide law enforcement agency in Missouri that will conduct an independent review of the crash. The St. Francois County Sheriff's Office continues its separate investigation into how Berger ended up in the roadway before being struck by the deputy.