A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Saturday afternoon in Palm Beach County, Florida, as a grandmother and her teenage granddaughter lost their lives in a devastating crash at the intersection of Randolph Siding Road and Alexander Run.
Authorities confirmed that 77-year-old Deidre North and her 16-year-old granddaughter, Jade North, were the two victims who died as a result of the collision.
According to investigators with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 4:40 p.m. when Deidre North, driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV), failed to stop at a clearly marked stop sign on Randolph Siding Road.
The crash report states that the SUV was heading west when it entered the intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic. As the SUV crossed into the path of a Ford pickup truck, the truck struck the driver’s side of the vehicle with significant force.
The collision sent the SUV into a violent spin, causing it to veer off the roadway and crash into a nearby tree before finally coming to rest in a grassy area located in the northwest corner of the intersection.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but tragically, Deidre North was pronounced dead on site due to the severity of her injuries. Her granddaughter, Jade North, who was in the passenger seat, was critically injured in the crash.
First responders worked urgently to stabilize her before transporting her to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Jade succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, a 28-year-old man whose name has not been released, reportedly swerved into the opposite lane to try and avoid the collision but was unable to prevent the impact. He was able to regain control of the vehicle after the crash and remained at the scene. He did not report any serious injuries.
As the community mourns this sudden loss, loved ones are remembering the lives cut tragically short. WPTV spoke with Juanita North, Deidre’s daughter and Jade’s mother, who expressed unimaginable grief. “Rest in peace, my darling angel. I miss you so much. Far too young. I love you to the moon and back. You will be forever in my heart. You and Meme both.”
Juanita described her daughter as a bright, artistic young woman who loved drawing and could light up any room with her presence. Jade was full of potential, and her passion for art was something that brought joy not only to her, but to those around her.
“She had such a beautiful spirit,” Juanita shared, holding back tears. “It’s hard to believe they’re both gone. Meme was always so protective of her. They were inseparable.”
The loss of Deidre and Jade North has sent shockwaves through the community. Friends, neighbors, and classmates have begun sharing memories and condolences online. A growing memorial at the crash site features flowers, candles, and sketches—tributes to Jade’s love of art.
This tragedy also serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of road safety and adhering to traffic signals. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash but has not announced any charges at this time.
In the coming days, the North family will be making arrangements for a joint memorial service. Community members have already begun organizing support efforts, including a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses and honor the lives of two beloved family members taken far too soon.
