Ashley Harrison-Freeman, 17, of New Carlisle, and Trent Lehman, 18, of Medway, were killed when the car they were riding in was struck by a white Toyota on Ohio 235 just north of U.S. 40 around 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Another Tecumseh student, Tiffany Buffington, 17, and Christopher Crawford, 19, were taken to Miami Valley Hospital. Buffington was listed in good condition and Crawford in critical condition as of Thursday morning.
The driver of the Toyota, Mark Shackford, 54, of Huber Heights, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital also. His condition was unknown Thursday.
Tecumseh Unit Principal Ivan Gehret said Freeman was a “bubbly” person who enjoyed whatever she was doing.
“I’ve never seen her having what appeared to be a bad day,” said Gehret.
Freeman was a confident person, he said.
“She was very content with who she was,” said Gehret.
Lehman did a lot of maturing his sophomore year, said English and history teacher Don McKenny.
“A boy walked into my class, a man walked out,” said McKenny.
Lehman had an outgoing personality who was an open book when he warmed up to someone, said McKenny.
“When Trent liked you, he liked you,” McKenny said.
The four teens had been hungry and were on their way to get some food when the crash happened, said McKenny.
Investigators have unearthed nothing new in their investigation, but believe that the slick road conditions contributed to the crash, according to Sgt. Yvonne Thorne. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected, she said.
Grief counselors were on hand at the high school Thursday to help students deal with the tragedy.
Funeral services for Harrison-Freeman is scheduled for Monday at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar and Fraley Funeral Home. No funeral information was available for Lehman.
McKenny said many students keep asking why their friends died.
“Why them, why now?” Said McKenny. “During a time of joy, a time of peace, a time of love, why now?”
Gabe Berner said most students are in shock at the sudden loss of their friends.
“It’s just crazy that you can lose somebody that fast.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.
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