Kenton Ridge High School graduating class pays tribute to student killed in crash

SPRINGFIELD — During graduation Wednesday, students and staff at an area high school paid tribute to their classmate who died in a crash last week.

Koda Austin died on May 19 in a crash on State Route 334 in Moorefield Twp. It was his last day of school at Kenton Ridge High School and days before he turned 18.

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Two seats were left empty during the ceremony, one for Austin and one for Joel Cox, who was in critical condition after the crash.

Orange and white flowers were placed on the stage to honor Austin, the school’s principal said.

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Each student also wore an orange ribbon for Austin, because it was his favorite color and a green ribbon for Cox.

School leaders told News Center 7 that Cox is still in the hospital.

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