A tragic crash in rural Steuben County claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl Tuesday morning, according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies and emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 7:20 a.m. on June 16, 2026, to the intersection of State Road 327 and County Road 350 North in Jackson Township following reports of a two-vehicle collision. The caller advised that one of the drivers involved was unconscious.
When firefighters and rescue personnel from the Orland Fire Department arrived, they discovered an unresponsive female trapped inside one of the vehicles. Emergency crews immediately began life-saving efforts, and a medical helicopter from Parkview Samaritan was requested to transport the victim to Parkview Regional Medical Center.
A preliminary investigation determined that a white 2011 Ford F-150 driven by 36-year-old Jessica Gaetz of rural Orland was traveling northbound on State Road 327. At the same time, a tan 2017 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 17-year-old Febie Booher of rural Orland was stopped at the intersection on County Road 350 North.
Investigators said Booher entered the intersection into the path of the northbound pickup truck. Gaetz attempted to avoid the collision by braking and swerving, but was unable to do so. The Ford struck the driver’s side of the Chevrolet with significant force.
Despite extensive efforts by Orland Fire Rescue and Steuben County EMS personnel, Booher succumbed to the severe injuries she sustained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gaetz was transported by ambulance to Cameron Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, including a possible broken wrist.
The Steuben County FACT Crash Investigation Team responded to assist with the investigation. Authorities reported that weather conditions were clear and roadways were dry at the time of the collision.
Investigators also noted that Booher was not wearing a seatbelt when the crash occurred. Gaetz was wearing her seatbelt, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.
Officials do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Assisting at the scene were the Angola Police Department, Orland Fire Department, Steuben County EMS, and the Parkview Samaritan Helicopter crew.
