Report: Teen texted at time of accident - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 47) -- The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office has released its report on what led up to a crash that claimed the life of a Byron High School student on Sept. 4.

The report says Deianerah Logan, 17, of Pine Island, was texting when her vehicle rear-ended a school bus. Logan was killed in the crash.

Addressing the public Sheriff Dave Mueller says, "We believe that, that text message or the distraction and inattentiveness caused by texting was a significant cause of this accident."

Olmsted County Sheriff Dave Mueller said no drugs or alcohol were involved and speed was not a factor.

Law enforcement and Deianerah's parents are using the tragic crash to urge people not to use their phones while driving.

Byron High School principal Michael Duffy says, "The central message coming from DJ's parents was that if they can take this tragedy in all of our lives and use it to make one or more students safer it's not going to make it a good thing but it's going to make it a little more bearable."

Deianerah's parents spoke with seniors at Byron High School early Tuesday morning.

"Our beautiful D.J. was a good kid, with good grades, great friends, a perfect driving record and loved life," Deianerah's parents said in a statement. "She made a mistake like all teenagers do in the process of growing up. Except this time there is no growing up. We can only pray that others can learn from her."

Deianerah's parents handed out bracelets to Byron High School students Tuesday that state it clearly: "Don't text and drive."

D.J.'s parents say they are going to continue spreading the warning against distracted driving at area schools, but hope what happened to her just last month will make people think twice behind the wheel.