Teen driver charged in north Alabama crash that killed 2 passengers, ages 13 and 15

By Carol Robinson

Jovana Morales, 15, and Tamy Carmelo, 13, were killed in a Nov 20, 2024, crash in Marshall County.(GoFundMe)

A north Alabama teen has been charged in a traffic crash that killed two other teens, ages 13 and 15, and injured a fourth.

Yeismin Ramirez, 18, of Albertville, is charged with vehicular manslaughter and two counts of first-degree assault, Alabama State Troopers announced Monday.

Ramirez was booked into the Marshall County Jail Thursday, and released this morning after posting $500,000 bond, jail records show.

Authorities have not said what led to the criminal charges against Ramirez.

All of the students involved in the crash attended Albertville City Schools.

“Our entire school community is grieving this loss, and our thoughts are with the families of both students we have lost, as well as with those who are still recovering’’ school officials said in an announcement following the wreck. “This is an incredibly difficult time for so many, and we want to remind everyone that no one has to go through it alone.”

“Let’s continue to keep these families and one another in our prayers as we navigate this together,’’ the statement read.

The wreck happened at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, on Blessing Road near Arley Lacey Road, about two miles north of Boaz.

Ramirez was driving a Nissan Altima that left the road, hitting a tree stump, a sign post, and a fence, said Alabama State Trooper Cpl. Reginal King.

A 13-year-old girl, Tamy Carmelo, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Another passenger, 15-year-old Jovana Morales, died Thursday at the hospital.

A 17-year-old passenger was injured.

Authorities said the teens were not using seat belts at the time of the crash.

GoFundMe accounts have been started to help with the teens’ burials.

Jovana is remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, according to the fundraising site.

Tamy’s death, according to her GoFundMe, “has left a void in the hearts of our family, friends, and classmates.”