‘Remembered for her sweet disposition’: Springfield student killed in rollover crash

The Arnold family was profiled in a April 2019 story in the Springfield News-Sun. Destiny Wells is shown on the far right holding Sayon Smith Robertson. Others in the photo are standing in front, from left: Avalynn Jackson and Hayden Arnold. Behind them, from left: Willie and Vickie Arnold, Precious Wells, Mykayla Smith Robertson. Back row, from left: Brian Arnold, Tavione Arnold, Jason Arnold, DaeShawn Jackson. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey/Staff

Credit: Bill Lackey/Staff

The Arnold family was profiled in a April 2019 story in the Springfield News-Sun. Destiny Wells is shown on the far right holding Sayon Smith Robertson. Others in the photo are standing in front, from left: Avalynn Jackson and Hayden Arnold. Behind them, from left: Willie and Vickie Arnold, Precious Wells, Mykayla Smith Robertson. Back row, from left: Brian Arnold, Tavione Arnold, Jason Arnold, DaeShawn Jackson. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

A 17-year-old Springfield City School District student-athlete was killed on Monday morning after her car hit a tree and rolled over multiple times, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Destiny Wells, was heading south on Old Clifton Road at 4 a.m. when the 2008 Honda Accord she was driving went off the left side of the road. The car struck a tree before overturning multiple times, according to troopers.

The teen was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. It is the 11th deadly crash in the county this year.

Wells was a student at Springfield/Clark Career Technology Center and a member of the Springfield High School women’s varsity basketball team, according to a statement from SCSD Superintendent Bob Hill.

“Today we mourn the loss of student-athlete Destiny Wells,” Hill said. “Destiny is remembered for her sweet disposition and outgoing personality on and off the basketball court. Her family and friends will remain in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult team.”

As a result of Wells’ death, SCSD’s crisis team will be available with credential counselors for Springfield High School or Springfield-Clark CTC students at SHS on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the auxiliary gym.

Wells’ passenger, Traymonta McKinney, 20, of Springfield, was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to troopers. As of Monday afternoon, she was not listed as a patient at SRMC.

According to OSHP Lt. Brian Aller, Wells was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

“It’s the easier and most effective safety device we have in vehicles today,” said Aller. “Seat belts save lives.”

Speed was also a factor in the deadly crash, Aller said.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Springfield Twp. Fire and EMS also responded to the crash. OSHP is continuing to investigate the incident.