Dozens of students and school officials gathered on Saturday at Keystone High School in LaGrange to remember a 17-year-old student who died in a car crash.
Nate Barrett, a Keystone High School junior, died on Friday after he lost control of his Acura SUV on State Route 301 in Lorain County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Officials said his car went off the left side of the road and hit two trees. Barrett was extracted from the SUV and taken to University Hospitals where he later died.
Keystone Schools superintendent, Fanco Gallo, said today's gathering was somber.
"They [the students] were almost paralyzed. It's so sudden. Took us by surprise," Gallo said "We have no words to explain why this tragedy happened, but we want to remember the good times and positive memories and share those and keep those in our thoughts."
Barrett, of Wellington, played football, baseball and ran track. Gallo said he was well like amongst his classmates.
"Knowing these kids he'll never be forgotten. They're going to keep him in their thoughts and he'll never be forgotten," the superintendent said.
Students echoed Gallo's thoughts.
"A lot of tears were shed," Brooklyn Bachman, a junior, said. "He was very loved by all his classmates and student body."
— Coach Griswold (@TheMrGriz) March 18, 2017
Officials said neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to have played a role in the crash. It remains under investigation.
School administrators said grief counselors will be at Keystone High School on Monday for students in need.
