ELIDA — A single-vehicle crash on Elida Road on Friday has resulted in a second fatality, according to St. Rita’s Medical Center and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Drew Duhlebohn, 15, of Elida, was pronounced dead just before noon Saturday, joining Jakob Sexton, 15, of Elida as the two fatalities from the Friday afternoon crash on Elida Road near the Redd Road intersection.
The crash occurred when a 2002 black Dodge Ram, driven by Lawrence Slygh, 16, of Elida, went off the right side of the road, striking a ditch before going airborne and striking a fence and tree before overturning.
“The St. Rita’s family joins with the community in mourning the loss of a second teenager involved in Friday’s car accident,” said St. Rita’s Director of Marketing and Communications Beth Keehn in a statement.
While St. Rita’s did not release Duhlebohn’s name, his identity as the second fatality was confirmed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Duhlebohn and Sexton were both passengers in the vehicle, along with Jaxson Swickrath, 15, of Elida, Jaden Boroff, 15, of Lima, and Alana Rankin, 16, of Lima. All but Rankin were listed on the 2016 Elida High School football roster.
Keehn also confirmed that a second crash victim who had been listed in critical condition is now in stable condition, joining two other stable crash victims being treated at St. Rita’s. One of the vehicle’s occupants had been treated, then released Friday. St. Rita’s was not identifying which of the crash victims were still being treated, according to Keehn.
“Both the chapel and the Cafe conference room are open,” she said. “Chaplain support and refreshments [are available] for those who are here supporting friends and families.”
Several in the community have taken to social media to express condolences for the victims’ families and the Elida community.
“Hearts go out to the #Elida community and American Twp. FD,” the Bath Township Fire Department posted on Twitter.
“Our hearts are heavy for our friends in the Elida school family,” Wapakoneta City Schools posted on Twitter. “You will all remain in our thoughts and in our prayers.”
The Elida High School Commons was open to parents and students Sunday, with “several supportive staff and professionals available here to assist,” according to the Elida schools Facebook page.
“Details on upcoming events or memorials will be posted as information becomes available,” the Elida schools Facebook post continued. “We know many people are offering help and at this time we are assessing our needs and will communicate them as they arise.”
