Girl, 16, dies in car accident

STEPHENSON- A 16-year-old Stephenson girl was killed Thursday, after the vehicle she was riding in struck a tree. An investigation into the accident is continuing.

According to Menominee County Sheriff Brett Botbyl, Courtney Cole, 16, of Stephenson, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by William Cooper, 18, of Stephenson, when Cooper lost control of his vehicle on Walnut Road northwest of Stephenson, shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday, and struck a tree.

Cooper was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by firemen from the Stephenson and Daggett Fire Departments. He was later airlifted to a hospital in Green Bay for treatment of his injuries.

Authorities also said neither Cooper nor Cole was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Assisting deputies at the scene were members of the Stephenson and Daggett fire departments, Mid County Rescue Squad, and accident reconstruction specialist troopers from the Iron Mountain and Iron River State Police Posts.