A Morrison teenager died and another is in a Rockford hospital after a single-car accident Saturday night.
Deputies responded about 11:42 p.m. to rural Morrison, where Payton J. Cook, 17, was pronounced dead by Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald. Cook was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Impala southbound on Round Grove Road near Hazel Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle skidded sideways into the east ditch, went airborne, struck a utility pole, rolled, and came to a rest on its side in a field.
One of the two passengers, a 16-year-old boy, was extricated and flown to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. The other passenger, Brooklyn F. Gallentine, 18, was taken to CGH Medical Center, treated and released.
Illinois State Police, Morrison Fire and Ambulance and CGH Ambulance assisted at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.*
The 16 year old boy was later identified as Trysten Frederick. I personally knew these people; they were classmates of mine. It is a very sad, difficult time when someone you know dies, as most of you know. My school held a sort of memorial for Payton, both at the school, where you could talk to people (and they will still have counsellors and ministers here all week) and write something for Payton, there were large pieces of poster paper where people wrote him letters, post it notes over his locker, and there is now a little wooden angel statue sitting on the floor in front of his locker; they also had a candle lighting at the scene of the crash last night. The school is selling T Shirts to honor him, and everyone is wearing blue.
There are a lot of tears shed, even from those who didn't know him very well. Payton was the kind of guy who could keep everyone's spirits up; he was always smiling, smirking, laughing, or joking around. I always envied him for that. He always seemed to be in a good mood, and it seemed to rub off on everyone around him. He will be missed and remembered by all.
Fly High, Payton <3
