In a devastating incident that has left the Edgerton, Ohio, community reeling, 17-year-old Levi Hess, a promising student-athlete, tragically lost his life in a car accident early Sunday morning in Camden, Michigan. The accident also left a 16-year-old passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, with severe injuries.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) reported that the crash occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on North Main Street in Camden, a small village located in western Hillsdale County, close to the Indiana and Ohio borders. The area is known for its rural roads, which can be particularly treacherous at night.
Levi Hess, who was driving a pickup truck at the time of the accident, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road. The truck then collided with two parked vehicles in a nearby driveway. The impact of the crash was severe, and first responders quickly arrived at the scene.
Hess was transported to a hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The passenger, who sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to a hospital in Ann Arbor for further treatment. As of now, the passenger’s condition remains stable, but the emotional toll on the community is palpable.
Edgerton Superintendent Ben Wilhelm confirmed the identity of the deceased as Levi Hess, a junior at Edgerton High School. Hess was a well-rounded student, known for his athletic abilities. He was an active member of the school’s football, baseball, and wrestling teams, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
In a statement released on Sunday, the school expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of Hess, highlighting the profound impact his death has had on students, staff, and the broader community. “It is with profound sadness that we learned the tragic news of the passing of Levi Hess, a student at Edgerton High School, who lost his life in an automobile accident over the weekend,” the statement read. “His loss is deeply felt across our school community, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
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In response to this tragic event, the school has made counseling services available to students, recognizing the need for emotional support during this difficult time. The statement urged students to take advantage of these resources, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community to support one another.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police, and authorities are seeking any additional information from the public that may aid in their inquiry. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Michigan State Police at 517-780-4580.
This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that such tragedies can have on a community. As the Edgerton community mourns the loss of one of its own, the support and solidarity being shown are a testament to the strong bonds that define this small town.
In the wake of this tragedy, the school and community leaders are focusing on providing the necessary support to help students and families navigate their grief. The road to healing will undoubtedly be long, but the strength of the Edgerton community will be crucial in helping one another through this period of profound loss.