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UPDATE: Summit High student killed in car wreck Monday night

Caddie Nath
Summit Daily News
FacebookElizabeth Murphy
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Summit High School student Elizabeth K. Murphy, 17, was killed late Monday night in a rollover accident on Highway 9 north of Silverthorne, according to Coroner Joanne Richardson.

At approximately 9 p.m. Murphy, who was driving with her younger sister and another Summit High student in the car, reportedly swerved to avoid hitting a deer and went off the road, rolling the car at least once, a statement from the coroner’s office said.

The front-seat passenger, 16-year-old Jenny Matlock was thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. She was taken to a hospital in Denver, but is in stable condition, her family told the school Tuesday morning.



Murphy’s younger sister, Molly Murphy, 15, was wearing a seat belt in the back seat and suffered minor injuries.

Elizabeth Murphy died at the scene.



The accident is still under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol, but speed might have been a factor, the statement said.

Murphy, a junior who lived in Silverthorne, played guard for the high school girls’ basketball team, where her coach said she was a rising star.

“Lizzy was just a bright kid who lit up practice,” coach Rachel Dunaway said. “She was very witty, very smart, always happy. The loss is heartbreaking.”

Dunaway said the death of a student who was described by family friends as “well known and well liked,” sent shock waves through the high school.

“It’s going to take time for the school to heal,” Dunaway said. “I hope everyone rallies around her closest friends, her sister and Jenny, because they’re going to need friends and support. It’s definitely a very sad, tragic day.”

Summit High administrators told students about the accident Tuesday morning. Community and district crisis counselors were on hand at the school to meet with students or staff members who asked for help Tuesday and will be available all week.

“We have shared this information with the students and have informed our parents that our school is working with each student to assist him or her as this news is received,” district spokeswoman Jaimee Borger stated. “The school community is deeply saddened by this loss.”

A memorial fund has been set up at First Bank in Murphy’s name. Services have not yet been scheduled.


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