SAINT LOUIS COUNTY, MO. (THECOUNT) — An accident claimed the life of 22-year-old Jihad Sumreen early Sunday morning in south St. Louis County, Missouri. The young man, a resident of Hazelwood was involved in a single-vehicle Maserati crash on eastbound Interstate 255, just east of the I-55 interchange.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 3:38 a.m. when the Maserati sedan that Sumreen was driving veered off the roadway and struck a rock bluff, causing the vehicle to overturn. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, Sumreen was pronounced dead at 3:52 a.m.

Advertisement

The crash is currently under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with preliminary findings suggesting that Sumreen lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the highway.

Details of the Crash

The crash took place on a stretch of Interstate 255 that runs through south St. Louis County, a roadway known for its twists and turns, which can be hazardous, particularly at night. Sumreen was driving a Maserati sedan, a high-performance vehicle, when the incident occurred. Authorities are still working to determine what caused him to lose control of the car and whether factors such as speed, road conditions, or other variables played a role.

After leaving the roadway, the Maserati struck a rock bluff, a steep, rocky embankment on the side of the highway, which caused the vehicle to overturn. The impact of the collision and the subsequent rollover left the car severely damaged. It was reported that Sumreen was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash, and no other vehicles were involved.

First responders, including officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local emergency medical services, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. Despite their rapid response, Sumreen was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained during the accident. The extent of those injuries has not been fully detailed in public reports, but authorities have confirmed that no other individuals were involved or harmed.

Investigation and Safety Considerations

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. As with any fatal crash, authorities will look into all possible factors, including whether there was any driver impairment, the condition of the vehicle, the road’s layout, and other environmental factors that may have contributed to the tragic event.

While speed has not yet been officially cited as a factor, high-performance cars like Maseratis are capable of reaching very high speeds quickly, which can make them difficult to control, particularly on winding roads or in challenging conditions. It is also common for accidents to occur during the early morning hours when visibility is low, and drivers may be fatigued.

Authorities have not yet released any further details about Sumreen’s background or any additional findings from the crash investigation. More information may become available as the investigation continues, and the public is encouraged to stay informed through official updates from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Jihad Sumreen at such a young age has sent shockwaves through the Hazelwood community and beyond. Friends, family, and acquaintances of Sumreen have begun to express their condolences and share memories of him on social media, many noting his kind nature and vibrant personality. The community is rallying together to support his family during this unimaginably difficult time.

Fatal accidents such as this one serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can be present on the roads, particularly during nighttime driving. Authorities urge all drivers to take extra caution, especially when driving on highways with challenging terrain or when behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle that requires advanced handling skills.

Looking Forward

As the investigation into this crash continues, local law enforcement agencies will likely review safety protocols for this stretch of I-255. Officials may also use this incident as a platform to remind drivers of the importance of adhering to speed limits and other traffic regulations, particularly when driving in the early morning hours or in less-than-ideal conditions.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has urged anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward as they work to determine the full circumstances that led to this tragic event.

DEVELOPING::