STAFFORD COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Stafford County high school student early Monday.

According to the KHP, Shane Riley Sheets, 16, of St. John, was driving a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville eastbound in the 100 block of NE 20th St. approximately 1 mile south and 1.5 east of St. John when for some unknown reason, the vehicle entered the north ditch and collided with a tree. The crash was reported at approximately 7:35 a.m. Monday, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The KHP reported that the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the crash. Sheets was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheets was a student at USD 349 Stafford High School. The district posted the following message on its Facebook page:

“Stafford High School has received confirmation that one of our students was in a tragic car accident and passed away this morning. Counselors and staff will be available to meet with students and staff throughout the day today and throughout the week.”