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Teenager drowns after UTV crashes into lake, another injured

A deputy and firefighter dove into approximately 10 feet of water and cut the teenager from the vehicle.

BISHOP, Ga. — A 16-year-old has died following a UTV accident late Friday night near Athens, officials confirm.

The Oconee County Coroner said Kate Jones died early Saturday morning after she drowned late Friday night. Deputies said Jones was submerged underwater when the UTV she was riding in rolled into a lake after crashing around midnight Friday.

Sheriff Scott Berry wrote the crash happened on a private farm in the 5400 block of High Shoals Road in Bishop, Ga. Berry said Jones and four other minors were in the vehicle, which can top speeds of more than 80 mph when it crashed.

Once on the scene, a deputy and firefighter dove into approximately 10 feet of water and cut Jones from the vehicle, according to police.

11Alive's Natisha Lance went to the home where the accident where she spoke to neighbors who said they're overwhelmed with grief.

Craig Butt said he heard the commotion from the end of his driveway, but in the dark of night, he said there was no way to know the Jones was trapped underwater.

"Maybe (I) could have done something. I was that close before any responders were even here," he said.

First responders tried their best to revive Jones, but they were unable to save her. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating.

Another rider was taken to an Athens-area hospital with serious injuries but is expected to be okay.

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