Teen dies moments after graduation

CLINTON, Ind. (WISH) - What should have been a day of celebration for students graduating from South Vermillion High School turned tragic. A car accident only moments after the ceremony claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl.

The crash happened Saturday afternoon on Ind. 63 near Clinton. Jeana Lunsford, 18, had only been a high school graduate for an hour. But in a flash, she was gone.

“She was so young so beautiful. She had a great personality. She was outgoing. She loved life. She loved people. It’s just not fair,” said her aunt Kimberly Nesbitt.

Jeana was on her way to a friend’s house with her boyfriend and was only blocks from school when she lost control of her car. Police said she crossed the median and was thrown out as the car flipped several times.
She was flown to IU Health Methodist Hospital, where she died. Her boyfriend suffered only minor injuries.

Jeana was already making plans past graduation. She wanted to be a nurse.

“Any time you needed Jeana, she was there. She was always there to lend a hand,” said Nesbitt.

Her funeral is set at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Giovanini Funeral Home in Clinton. Visitation is from 3 p.m. until services.