The teen killed in a two-vehicle crash in Liberty Township on May 14 was enrolled at Lakota Local Schools, according to the district.
The school district confirmed in a statement on May 15 that the 17-year-old was a student. However, it is not releasing the student’s name or the exact school he attended until given the family’s permission.
“It is with deep sorrow that Lakota Local Schools has learned of the tragic loss of one of our students. Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends and all who knew and loved him,” the statement reads. “We ask for privacy and understanding as the family navigates this difficult period … Our focus remains on providing a supportive and compassionate environment for our students and staff as we grieve together.”
The district added that it has mobilized our crisis response team, which includes counselors and mental health professionals, to provide support and resources to those affected by the incident. It also encourages anyone in need of assistance to reach out to its support services through the school’s office.
3rd Lakota student killed in vehicle collision over past year
The teen’s death marks the third time a student in the Lakota Local School District has died in a vehicle collision within the past year or so.
On March 23, 2024, 14-year-old Laith Masri, a freshman at Lakota West High School, was killed in a crash at the intersection of Verity Parkway and Hughes Street, which also injured four other students that were involved.
Just under two months later, on May 15, 2024, 15-year-old Aspen Dylan Runnels was walking in a crosswalk toward the end of the school day at the Lakota East Freshman Campus and was struck by a vehicle. He died of his injuries less than two weeks later.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lakota school district says 17-year-old killed in Liberty Township crash was a student
Reporting by Hailey Roden, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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