9-year-old killed when car hydroplanes, crashes down embankment

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DALLAS, N.C. — A 9-year-old girl was killed in a crash Wednesday in the town of Dallas in Gaston County, according to officials.

The single-car crash happened around 6 p.m. as the vehicle was heading north on U.S. 321 and hydroplaned off the roadway and down an embankment onto Park Road before hitting a concrete wall under the bridge, flipping onto its roof, officials said.

The child passenger, identified as Morgan Kirkpatrick, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her stepdad, who was driving the car, was taken to Caromont Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, officials said.

Both of them had to be cut out of the car with the Jaws of Life.

[ALSO READ: 19-year-old woman dies days after northwest Charlotte wreck, CMPD says]

On Thursday, Channel 9 spoke with Morgan’s mother, who said Morgan and her stepdad were on their way to church when the crash happened.

She said Morgan was loving, always had a smile on her face and knew how to brighten anyone’s day.

Authorities are still investigating the accident, but said water on the road is what caused the driver to lose control and crash.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

(WATCH BELOW: 6-year-old dead after driver racing in Gaston County hits vehicle head-on)

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