CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — A student died Saturday at an OHSAA Eastern District cross-country track meet, according to Cambridge City Schools spokesperson Dan Coffman.
The accident happened nearby the race venue. The event was hosted by Cambridge City Schools.
According to Cambridge Police, four members of the Minerva High School cross-country team were participating in a cool-down in the woods near the school. The team traditionally throws a loose log over the bridge. When they couldn't find a loose log, they attempted to snap a portion off of a dead tree when the tree fell on one of the students.
He was severely injured and life-flighted to a hospital in Akron where he was pronounced dead from his injuries, police said.
According to Gary Chaddon, superintendent of the Minerva Local School District, the student was Owen Grubb.
Chaddon released the following statement regarding Grubb's death:
“Last weekend, Minerva High School Junior Owen Grubb died from injuries he received in a post-race accident following a weekend cross-country meet.
This is a terrible time for his family, friends and loved ones, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who cared for him.
We are all grieving the loss of Owen, who was a bright light in our high school and exceptional student athlete. We are keeping our entire school community close in our hearts during this time.
Counselors have been brought to meet with his teammates and all district students and provide mental health support. We will work collaboratively with his family, friends, coaches and our cross-country team to plan ways to honor his memory.
We are grateful for the swift actions of first responders and to the entire Ohio cross-country community for their continuing prayers for all of those who loved and will miss Owen.
We recognize Owen’s family’s need for privacy and respect at this time of mourning, and as such, we will not be sharing any further details of this tragic accident.”
Grubb finished 10th in Saturday's race in 17:26.05.
"He's a great kid and a great teammate," Minerva Head Coach Olivia Scott said Sunday. "Our girls and boys, our team, they're brothers and sisters. The girls team is just as devastated as the boys team."
In memory of Grubb, the county's cross-country coaches are naming him their only runner of the week this week.
His death is being determined to be an accident and the other students involved will not face criminal charges.
"The Cambridge School District and the entire community is praying for the family and friends of this student-athlete," Coffman said.
A T-shirt fundraiser is being held to support the Grubb family.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Cambridge is located in Guernsey County, south of Akron.
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