WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio — The tight-knit community of Wayne County is reeling from a devastating car accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Aurora Krahenbuhl and left several others injured on Friday evening.
The incident occurred shortly before 4:15 p.m. on Canaan Center Road near E. Sterling Road in Canaan Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a car driven by a 17-year-old lost control, veered off the road, and overturned multiple times after striking a ditch and two landscape islands.
Aurora Krahenbuhl, a beloved eighth grader at Norwayne Local Schools, tragically lost her life in the accident. The driver, a 13-year-old, along with another 14-year-old and a 15-year-old passenger, sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were rushed to local hospitals for treatment.
Superintendent Kevin Leatherman of Norwayne Local Schools expressed profound sadness over the loss, identifying all five victims as middle and high school students within the district. In light of the tragedy, Superintendent Leatherman made the difficult decision to cancel Friday night’s scheduled homecoming football game out of respect for those affected.
The Creston Community Church swiftly opened its doors to provide solace and support to grieving community members. Pastor Josh Chaffin emphasized the community’s resilience in coming together during times of hardship. “We don’t have a lot of tragedies here. Small close-knit town, family vibe, but when tragedies like this happen, of course, we do what families do — they come together,” Pastor Chaffin shared.
As news of the accident spread, students and community members gathered at Norwayne Community Stadium, where the homecoming game was to take place, forming a poignant prayer circle to honor Aurora’s memory and support each other in their grief.
Reflecting on the community’s response, Aurora’s aunt Shannon Krahenbuhl highlighted the importance of promoting responsible driving among young people. “I think it’s very important to teach our kids to be more responsible when driving… because things like this can happen,” she remarked tearfully.
Melanie Krahenbuhl, Aurora’s mother, echoed these sentiments, urging all young drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.
In the wake of this tragic loss, Norwayne Local Schools plans to hold a special game and dance to commemorate homecoming at a later date, providing a healing opportunity for students and families to come together in remembrance of Aurora Krahenbuhl’s life.
A prayer vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening at Norwayne Community Stadium, offering a time for the community to gather, share memories, and find solace as they navigate this profound loss together.