A 2011 Lakota East graduate died Tuesday afternoon following a car accident.

Sarah A. Towler, 18, of West Chester Twp. died around 6:30 p.m. following injuries suffered in a car accident in Ashland County.

Towler was a in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra as one of three passengers headed northbound on Interstate 71. The driver, Derick M. Lynce, 19, of Cincinnati, apparently lost control and struck a 2012 Nissan Altima from behind around 6:30 p.m. near the 191 milepost in Perry Twp.

Passengers Bryce Murphy, 18, also of West Chester Twp., and Kenneth Crocker Jr., 20 of Forest Park were also in the Hyundai. Crocker and Murphy were taken to the hospital for observation and were released. Lynce suffered serious injuries and was taken to Cleveland Metro Hospital.

The driver of the Nissan, Brian Lear, 33, of Rockey River, was not injured.

Witnesses at the scene told troopers the Elantra was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.

Neither Lynce nor Towler were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Speed and alcohol are suspected factors, according to a report from the Ashland post of the State Highway Patrol.

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