FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A recent Fairhope High School graduate and incoming Louisiana State University freshman died late Monday night at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. Morgan Elizabeth Thompson, 18, of Fairhope had been critically injured in a car crash a few hours earlier.

Her mother, 51-year-old Mary Thompson, a passenger in Thompson’s car, was admitted to the hospital with what police described as “moderate injuries.” They were not considered to be life-threatening, and she has since returned home.

Baton Rouge police spokesman Sgt. Don Kelly said Thompson was attempting to cross South Acadian Thruway around 5:20 p.m. when she pulled her 2008 Nissan Versa into the path of a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by 22-year-old Kevin J. Kearney. The Baton Rouge man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Both women were wearing seat belts, Kelly said. It is not yet known if excessive speed was involved, but alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident.

The ongoing investigation indicates that Thompson was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of the four-lane, divided highway after pulling out of a private roadway that leads to two hotels, a restaurant and several other businesses when she was hit broadside.

The former FHS honor student was reportedly going to travel south, in the direction of Interstate 10 and the nearby LSU campus.

Thompson had traveled to Baton Rouge for freshman orientation at the university. She was set to attend LSU on a full academic scholarship, where she planned to study architecture and graphic design.

Dr. Beverly Thomas, FHS principal, said Tuesday that Thompson will be missed.

“Morgan was an incredible young lady, Thomas said. “She was a bright young lady. She knew what she wanted and how to get it.”

Thompson was co-valedictorian of her high school graduating class, and earned two International Baccalaureate diplomas, according to Thomas. She added, “Morgan was one of those we knew would go far in life. She was bright in so many ways.”

Thomas said Thompson excelled in both calculus and art, an unusual skill set to say the least. She was a member of both the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Thompson also tutored other students, Thomas said, because she wanted to help them succeed. The popular teen was very proud of all her classmates and their accomplishments, both academic and athletic, and she shared that pride in her valedictory speech during graduation ceremonies.

A group of FHS students gathered Tuesday afternoon to console one another, as well as share fond memories of Thompson and her role in their lives. Thomas said counselors were on hand to help past and present students deal with their grief.

“I think them getting together, and not feeling so alone at this point is helpful,” Thomas said. “It’s a tragic loss.”

Funeral arrangements for Morgan Thompson can be found online at www.wolfefuneralhome.net.