A 17-year-old Grafton student was killed in a crash as she and another student were headed back from Strongsville after attending the school's after prom early Sunday morning.
Lindsey Mae Rotuno, a student at Midview High School, died from her injuries.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened on State Route 82 around 3:11 a.m.
Chase Elliot Johnson, 18, was driving a gold 2004 Saturn Ion. Rotuno was a passenger in the car.
Johnson was driving westbound when he entered the median at the intersection of State Route 57, hitting two utility poles. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Both were transported to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. Rotuno died from her injuries. Officials say she was not wearing a seat belt. Johnson remains hospitalized.
Authorities say speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, however, the Ohio State Highway Patrol told News 5 Johnson was interviewed at the hospital and investigators noticed signs of drug use.
Midview Schools said counselors will be available at the middle school and high school next week.
The school district released this statement regarding the crash:
After prom on Saturday a tragedy struck the Midview community. One of our Midview High School students sadly passed away in a car accident while another is still hospitalized. The Midview administration and board of education extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this student and are praying for a full recovery for the other. The district will have counselors available at both the middle school and high school on Monday and throughout the week for students and staff if they need someone to talk to. Parents, please check with your children during this difficult time. If you think your child is struggling or needs additional help, please contact a school counselor immediately.
Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for LindsayRotuno. There is a vigil for Lindsay Rotuno at the Midview High School football field on Monday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
