Coroner IDs Breese high school student killed in multi-vehicle crash

A 16-year-old girl from Germantown died in a multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in rural Breese.

Clinton County Coroner Phillip Moss identified the teen as Macy M. Haar, a junior at Central Community High School in Breese.

According to a news release from Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous, a 911 call came in shortly after 3 p.m. Friday reporting a traffic crash on Drive In Road, north of Rose Acre Farms.

The sheriff’s statement, which was released Friday without Haar’s identity, said she had died prior to first responders’ arrival, which was within minutes of the initial call. Moss said he pronounced Haar deceased at 3:27 p.m.

Another young woman was injured in the crash and taken to a Belleville hospital to be treated for what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s release said.

Travous said the investigation may take months. He also said an accident reconstruction team was called to the scene and Illinois State Police was contacted.

Investigators have determined three vehicles occupied by seven juveniles were involved in the crash.

“As the Sheriff, I ask for the public’s patience as we investigate every detail of this tragic crash,” the release said. “I also seek your prayers for the family and friends of the beautiful young lady they lost this afternoon.”

Haar’s obituary describes her as “a dedicated student with a loving heart and generous spirit.” She had an affinity for working with children, as she worked at a Damiansville child care and was the proud older sister of Max, it says.

She also was a committee member of the Jared Burke Foundation, which promotes hunter safety and youth hunting opportunities.

“She was truly the most beautiful light in this world, always there with a hug, a smile, a joke,” the foundation posted on Facebook.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, and from 9-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown, with burial to follow at St. Boniface Cemetery, the obituary states.

This story was originally published May 10, 2025 at 2:28 PM.