A Big Walnut High School student died Tuesday after he was involved in an automobile accident Monday afternoon on State Route 3 at Sunbury Meadows Drive.
Mitchell Young, 16, was traveling east in his Mazda sedan on Sunbury Meadows Drive at about 2:30 p.m. Monday when he attempted to turn left onto State Route 3 and was struck by a southbound Ford truck, according to troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Another Big Walnut student, 15, was a passenger in Young’s car. Both students were flown by helicopter to area hospitals.
Young reportedly underwent surgery Monday night and passed away Tuesday, troopers said. The other student’s injuries were not life-threatening, troopers said.
The driver of the Ford truck, Brian Wilson, 35, of Sunbury was not seriously injured, troopers report.
Young and his passenger were reportedly on their way to football practice when the accident occurred.
Big Walnut school officials posted a note on the district’s website Tuesday notifying students and parents of Young’s death and canceling all activities.
“In this time of mourning, we invite our students and community members to join us at the HS this afternoon where we have counselors available,” the post said. “Remembrance activities are planned for students to honor Mitchell. We encourage students to share their feelings with peers and support each other during this difficult time. All district activities for this evening are canceled, including practices, camps and open gyms in all of our school buildings.”
A candlelight vigil was held at the Big Walnut High School stadium Tuesday evening where hundreds of students, staff and community members came to remember Young.
Big Walnut Superintendent Angie Pollack said Wednesday that the district would continue to do whatever it could to help students during this time of “great sadness” and would have counselors on call for students.
“We extend our sincere sympathy and condolences,” Pollack said.
Arrangements for Young had not been made Wednesday afternoon but they will be handled by DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury.
A Facebook page titled “Support Mitchell Young” had amassed more than 1,750 likes Wednesday afternoon.
The crash remains under investigation, troopers said Wednesday, and no charges have been filed. All parties involved in the crash was wearing seat belts, troopers said.
