Golf cart accident kills teen

A Green Valley teenager died Sunday when the 4-wheel-drive golf cart her boyfriend was driving flipped on top of her.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m., when Carey Smith, 18, was ejected from the golf cart. Her boyfriend apparently had lost control of while off-roading in a wash in Green Valley, a Pima County Sheriff’s spokesperson said.

Smith received severe head injuries and was treated by Green Valley fire fighters at the scene. She was taken to University Medical Center in Tucson and was pronounced dead one hour later, said Capt. Melissa Smith of the Green Valley Fire District.

Neither was wearing a seat belt, which is not required for golf carts in Arizona, Smith said.

Officials say the teen moved here one month ago from Carson City, Nev., and was living with her boyfriend.

Smith’s myspace,com site shows Smith as a smiling brunette who had a crush on Johnny Depp and loved her 4-year-old niece. Friends have been leaving comments expressing their disbelief and sadness at the tragedy.

One friend wrote: “It just feels like a horrible nightmare that I really wanna wake up from. I just wish I could call (you) right now. But I know (you are) in a better place. You always told me that everything happens for a reason.”

Another friend, who changed her profile name to “R.I.P. Carey L. Smith” wrote about the people Smith will see in heaven. “I never thought that I would never get to see you again... Say hi to my Mom for me. I know my mom will absolutely love you. You’re in my prayers.”

In her profile, Smith wrote that she was looking forward to her birthday later this month, when she would have turned 19.

The driver has not been charged in the accident.

Smith says alcohol was not a factor.

A memorial service will be held in Carson City on Sept. 15.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726