Paullina teen dies in rural O'Brien Co. accident

A Paullina youth was killed in an accident that occurred at 12:11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, southwest of Paullina.

The O'Brien County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from OnStar reporting a possible collision near 5454 500th Street. Their system showed that airbags had been deployed and there was one occupant in the driver's seat. It also indicated the vehicle had possibly rolled over.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched and upon arrival, located a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle was eastbound on 500th Street, left the roadway to the left and entered the north ditch. It appears to have struck a driveway and rolled at least once.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Carter Halverson, 18, of Paullina, was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the sheriff's office, the accident remains under investigation and no further details will be released at this time. The Paullina Police Department, Paullina Fire Department, Paullina Ambulance and O'Brien County Medical Examiner assisted at the scene.

Halverson was a senior at South O'Brien High School and involved in several activities. According to a joint statment from Superintendent Wade Riley and JH/HS Principal Denise Phillips, the district will offer support services for students and staff after winter break. Immediate support services were offered Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

"Our condolences and thoughts go out to the student's family, friends and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous loss," stated the administrators.