DEKALB, Ind. (WOWO): Two DeKalb High School football players were headed to grab a bite to eat before Friday night’s game with New Haven. They never made it to the game.
That’s because they were involved in a deadly crash at the intersection of County Roads 19 and 40 Friday night. Police say 17-year-old Derek Padilla drove his vehicle into the path of another car. The impact of that crash pushed Padilla’s vehicle into yet another car’s path.
Baron Football
RIP #34 you will be missed. Thanks to all of Baron Nation and beyond for thoughts and prayers pic.twitter.com/w6Q61p3c0q— DHSAthletics (@BaronAthletics) September 3, 2016
Padilla was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger and teammate, 16-year-old Lucas Oberkiser, was critically injured.
The news caused DeKalb Schools to offer grief counselors and support for students over the weekend:
Continued support for those needing help will be available today, Sat., Sept. 3, from 9-Noon in the DHS commons. Enter through door 24.
— DeKalbHighSchool (@DeKalbHS) September 3, 2016
It even attracted the attention of national TV and radio talk show host Montel Williams, who encouraged students to “stay strong” as they dealt with their grief.
Stay strong @DeKalbHS remember – TOGETHER you get through this. #OneHeartBeat https://t.co/ss1Vlnepad
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) September 3, 2016
Friday night’s DeKalb vs New Haven game was cancelled, and will be rescheduled at a later date.
