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Kenton Ridge HS senior killed, second student in critical condition after Clark Co. crash

By WHIO Staff
By WHIO Staff

CLARK COUNTY — Two Clark County teenagers, both Kenton Ridge High School students, have been identified as the victims killed and seriously injured in a crash on state Route 334 in Moorefield Twp., Thursday, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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Koda L. Austin, 17, of Springfield was the driver of a Ford Focus killed in the crash on state Route 334 and state Route 72 around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, state troopers said in a media release.

A passenger in the car, identified as Joel Cox, 18, of Springfield, was flown from the scene by CareFlight medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, state troopers said.

Northeastern Local Schools Superintendent Dr. John Kronour confirmed to News Center 7 both Austin and Cox were students of Kenton Ridge High School.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of one of our senior students. On Thursday, May 19, 2022, one of our students was killed in a car accident, and another student is in critical condition. Our heartfelt condolences are with their families and friends during this very difficult time,” Kenton Ridge High School Principal John Hill said in the statement posted to the school’s website.

A preliminary investigation found the crash happened when the car Austin was driving ran a stop sign at the intersection of state Route 334 and state Route 72. Austin attempted to make a left turn and was hit by a Honda CRV, driven by Justin McCain, 36, of Urbana.

Justin McCain and a 1-year-old child suffered minor injuries in the crash. A third passenger in the CRV, identified as Dorthy McCain, 31, of Urbana, was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, state troopers said.

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Austin’s death comes just days before graduation, with Kenton Ridge’s graduation scheduled for May 25, according to an online district calendar.

The high school’s Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan team will be at the school Thursday night and Friday for support for students and families. The school building will be open at 6:30 p.m. for students and staff to have access to counselors, Hill said in the message to families.

Northeastern Schools Superintendent John Kronour said, " Obviously the loss of student is tragic. It was a heartful loss going out to the family and students for what they are going through now.”

This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update this page as we learn more.

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SR 334 Crash (Candace Price/Staff)

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