‘This can’t be real;’ Friends, school staff remember Northmont senior killed in Sunday crash

ENGLEWOOD — Instead of preparing for graduation, a high school student’s family is making his funeral arrangements.

Northmont High School senior Chris Gwynne died in a crash early Sunday morning, the district posted on social media Monday.

“I was like ‘this can’t be real,” Ethan James said.

James, a junior at Northmont said he’s been looking at photos he took of Gwynne during the photography class they had together.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Northmont senior killed, 5 teens injured in Sunday crash

“He was a very caring guy. He brought joy to everyone around him. He brightened the whole room,” he said.

Monday was a tough day at Northmont High School for everyone who knew Gwynne, James said.

“Our thoughts are with Chris’ family and friends, and we will do our best to provide support and resources to everyone affected by the tragic loss,” the district’s social media post read.

Superintendent Tony Thomas said the school’s focus has been supporting Gywnne’s family, friends and school staff.

“These are the toughest days we have and they happen from time to time and it doesn’t matter how much experience you have, it never gets any easier. We really feel for the family as well as all his friends and staff members who knew him,” Thomas said.

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Gwynne was the passenger in a car with five other teenagers around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, according to a Dayton police crash report.

The crash report said the car lost control and hit a pole on Salem Avenue.

The other teenagers in the car were left with minor to serious injuries.

As investigators continue to look into the crash, James wants people to remember Gwynne the way he plans to.

“He was just really honest, he was outgoing, joyful no matter what the situation was,” James said.

Ethan said Monday the school allowed students to take time to write notes to Gwynne’s family.

He said senior prom was this upcoming weekend.

The crash remains under investigation.

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