The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
TEENS INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH
18-year-old from Middlefield dies
A torn certificate recognizing a student’s achievements and a pair of tennis shoes lay in the road near a mangled Toyota Prius following a fatal crash that happened about 12:25 p.m. June 6 at Route 44 and Hosford Road in Chardon Township.
An Ohio Highway Patrol news release stated that the westbound, black, 2010 Toyota failed to stop at the intersection and was hit on its passenger side by a white, 2004 Sterling commercial truck driven south along Route 44 by 46-year-old Sean Gates, an Erie, Pennsylvania, resident.
The Toyota’s driver, 17-yearold Chardon resident Jackson Condon, suffered critical injuries and was taken from the scene by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The OHP, in its news release, described his injuries as life-threatening.
The Toyota’s passenger — 18-year-old Middlefield resident Dominic Ricci — was taken by rescue squad to TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township and pronounced dead on arrival, the OHP stated.
First responders, including crews from the Chardon,
Hambden Township and Munson Township fire departments, were on scene following the crash, along with Geauga County Sheriff’s Office deputies, OHP troopers, Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Motor Carrier Enforcement personnel.
The OHP’s news release stated that everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt and that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to factor into the crash, which remains under investigation.
In a statement released on the afternoon of June 6, Chardon Schools officials expressed their sorrow about the tragic incident and informed the community about the availability of grief counselors in its wake.
“Providing support for our school family is an important priority in our district,” the statement reads. “To assist students and staff in coping with this tragic event, counselors and high school personnel will be available to provide support ... this evening, June 6, beginning at 4 p.m. Counselors and school personnel will be available tomorrow, June 7, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Chardon High School.”
The district’s superintendent also conveyed his sympathies.
“The thoughts and prayers of all of us at Chardon Schools are with the families of these two outstanding young men during this difficult time,” Michael Hanlon Jr. wrote in a statement. “Our entire school community will continue to support the families, and each other, in coping with this terrible tragedy. Now, more than ever, we call on the core value of community, that has become a cornerstone of Chardon High School.”