Powell rallies around teens’ families
A day after two Olentangy Liberty High School seniors died in a car crash, the Powell community was rallying around their families.
By early Tuesday evening, a GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $27,000 to help the family of one of the victims. A new goal of $30,000 was set as hundreds of donations were recorded within hours.
Hunter McClelland was the passenger in a Toyota Camry driven by her boyfriend, Gavin Schlotterbeck, who lost control of the car Monday morning, went off the berm, overcorrected and crashed into an oncoming southbound car along Africa Road near Alum Creek State Park. Both were killed instantly, according to the State Highway Patrol.
Two people in the Jeep Wrangler that the Camry hit — Emily R. Bensi, 19, of Westerville, and her passenger, Geneva Day, 12, of Columbus, whom she was babysitting — were hospitalized with injuries that authorities say are not life-threatening.
The fundraising campaign began late Monday “to bring relatives from western Canada here (Powell) in time for Hunter’s service,” according to the website. Funds beyond what are needed will go toward a school scholarship fund, the site says.
McClelland and Schlotterbeck were both 17 and entering their senior year at Olentangy Liberty. Both shared an interest in ice hockey.
McClelland was the daughter of former Columbus Chill player Darwin McClelland, who played for the Chill from 1993 to 1995.
Schlotterbeck played on the Liberty hockey team.
Hundreds of students converged on the school grounds Monday night to hold a memorial service, painting the initials of each victim on a large spirit rock beside the school along Home Road.
McClelland was known as a kind, hard worker who served kids at her church. She had a “snarky” sense of humor, a family spokeswoman said, loved photography and wanted to go into graphic design.
“She had a light that caused others to be drawn to her,” said Dean Fulks, pastor of Lifepoint Church in Lewis Center. For the past two years, Fulks said, McClelland volunteered with young children during Sunday school there and “put others’ needs ahead of hers.”
Bill Warfield, Olentangy Liberty principal, recalled Schlotterbeck as “just a nice kid, always laughing and telling jokes.”
He said the outpouring from around the area has been impressive.
“It just shows what kind of community we have,” Warfield said.
James Meacham, a chaplain for the Delaware County sheriff’s office, notified Schlotterbeck’s family of Gavin’s death Monday.
“I don’t take religion into the scene,” he said of the conversation with them. “I take a comforting heart.”
The message he left: “Memories are sweet, and a gift from God that death can’t take away.”
Visitation for McClelland will be 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Lifepoint Church, 7719 Graphics Way in Lewis Center, with the funeral to follow there that morning.
Funeral arrangements for Schlotterbeck were not immediately available.
To donate to the fundraising campaign, visit, www. gofundme.com/support-formcclelland