A Nevada family has filed a lawsuit after an 18-year-old high school senior was killed by a drunk driver while walking to pick up her graduation cap and gown for a school event.
Nevada Teen Killed Before Graduation Ceremony
McKenzie Scott, a senior at Arbor View High School in Las Vegas, died in May 2025 after being hit by a car while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
According to the lawsuit, the school had instructed students to park off campus on North Buffalo Drive because of limited parking availability on school grounds.
Scott had parked there as directed and was walking to her vehicle to get her cap and gown for a “Senior Walk” ceremony when she was struck by a car driven by Keenan Jackson.
Driver Pleaded Guilty in Crash Case
Authorities said Jackson was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and failed to stop for Scott while she was legally crossing the street.
The impact caused severe injuries, and Scott later died at the hospital.
Jackson pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death in October and was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison the following month.
Family Blames School District and City
Scott’s parents are now suing the Clark County School District, the City of Las Vegas, and Jackson for negligence and wrongful death.
The lawsuit claims the crosswalk where Scott was hit was already known to be dangerous and had been the subject of several complaints before the crash.
The family alleges that both the city and school district failed to add proper safety measures, warning signals, or crossing guards despite knowing the risks.
Safety Changes Made After Teen’s Death
According to the complaint, new safety measures were added after Scott’s death, including pedestrian-activated flashing lights, additional signs, and a crossing guard program near the school.
Her family argues these changes could have been implemented earlier and may have prevented the tragedy.
The lawsuit seeks more than $130,000 in damages and requests a jury trial.
