Simi Valley Girl, 12, Dies in 3-Vehicle Collision

A 12-year-old girl was killed and two people were seriously injured late Thursday in a three-vehicle crash at an intersection in Simi Valley, police said Friday.

Sara Marie Weaver of Simi Valley died in the crash, which occurred about 10 p.m. at 1st Street and Royal Avenue, Simi Valley Police Officer Butch Hale said.

Sara was riding in a Ford Escort driven by 18-year-old Drew Dawson of Simi Valley, who was turning left from northbound 1st Street onto Royal Avenue when the collision occurred, Hale said.

Dawson sustained cuts to his face along with upper body injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Simi Valley Hospital, where he remained Friday in the intensive care unit.

Sara’s brother, 18-year-old Andrew Weaver of Simi Valley, suffered several broken bones and cuts and also was taken to Simi Valley Hospital, Hale said. He also remained in intensive care Friday.

The 17-year-old driver of the other vehicle, a Ford Explorer, was treated at the scene for minor cuts, Hale said.

The third vehicle involved, a Lexus traveling south on 1st Street, hit the Explorer after the initial collision with the Escort. Hale said the driver of the Lexus was not injured.

Dawson and the Weavers were on their way home from a movie when the accident occurred, Hale said.

The accident did not involve alcohol, and witnesses reported that none of the cars was exceeding the 45 mph speed limit, he added.

“It was a driving mistake,” Hale said. “[Dawson] did not yield the right of way.”