Second teen dies after crash

A fatal crash that claimed one victim June 6 took a second teenage life June 7, the Chardon Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol reported.

Jackson Condon, 17, of Chardon, died at 3:58 p.m. June 7 from injuries sustained in the crash, according to an emailed statement from the post’s Sgt. Jeremy Kindler.

Condon was driving a black, 2010 Toyota Prius west on Hosford Road in Chardon Township and failed to yield at a stop sign where Hosford intersects Route 44, an initial report showed.

The Prius then 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 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.

Condon suffered critical injuries and was taken from the scene by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The OHP’s June 6 media release described his injuries as life-threatening.

No alcohol, drugs or cellphone use were involved in the incident, Kindler said. Three witnesses reported that the driver of the Prius failed to stop at the stop sign, Kindler said.

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.

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.”

“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