9-year-old dies 10 minutes after posing with this note: Police soon discover terrible mistake that killed her

What was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter for a 9-year-old girl named Payton Crustner tragically turned into a heartbreaking event that took her life.

As Payton was about to start fourth grade, her family decided to capture the moment by taking a photo of her holding a sign that read “1st Day of 4 Grade.” Payton beamed with joy as she posed, completely unaware that her life would be cut short just moments later.

Sadly, this lovely young woman never made it to her classroom because she and her family were caught in a tragic car accident on their way to school. While 32-year-old Miranda, Payton’s mother, was behind the wheel, 18-year-old Marcus Wayne Dukes, who was driving on the highway, turned left and entered oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision with Miranda’s vehicle. During the impact, Payton was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other passengers, which included Miranda and a 3-year-old girl whose name was not disclosed, suffered minor injuries. Although Miranda’s son was in critical condition, he was later discharged from the hospital. Neither he nor the 3-year-old was wearing a seat belt.

When the accident occurred, Miranda was buckled up, and so was Payton, but her seat belt was a lower strap that did not secure her properly.

A family member who is mourning set up a GoFundMe page to assist with the funeral costs, which successfully raised nearly $18,000.

“Payton Lynn Crustner, just 9 years old, was taken from us this morning, just before her first day of 4th grade. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” the post stated.

We deeply regret this heartbreaking loss, which highlights how crucial it is to wear a seat belt—arguably the most vital safety feature in any vehicle.

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