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4 killed, 2 others injured in crash near Middletown
By Edith Brady-Lunny and David Proeber
eblunny@pantagraph.com | dproeber@pantagraph.com
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MIDDLETOWN -- A fiery pickup truck crash Saturday near Middletown killed four young people, injured two others and left many with ties to Lincoln Community High School shocked and grieving. | Passer-by becomes hero

“Here are these kids, who should just be enjoying one of the best parts of their lives, and then something terrible like this happens,” said Pat Hake, a physical and driver’s education teacher and baseball coach who knew most of the victims as students.

A pickup truck was westbound on 1300th Street when it went over Polecat Hill and struck trees near where the road turns south to become 250th Avenue, officials said Saturday. The accident was discovered about 11:29 p.m. Friday.

“As he was going down the hill, the truck skidded and sideswiped a set of trees at the base of the hill. The truck apparently burst into flames,” said Middletown Fire Chief Jason Buss.

“When we got the call, the truck was already fully engulfed,” he said.

Saturday night, tears flowed from more than 100 friends and family who gathered for a prayer service at Jefferson Street Christian Church, Lincoln, to remember the four young people killed in the accident.

At times, the sound of sobbing filled the meeting room used by church junior and senior high youth groups. Most of the students who knew LCHS senior Ross Conrady, sophomore Katie Carpentier and graduate Chris McGlasson came to the prayer service to share their grief.

“Hug each other and cry together — that’s what tonight is about,” Youth Pastor Brian Medaris said, calling the church space a communal living room for those affected by the tragedy.

Lincoln High seniors Cody Leevey, Amy Ramlow and Dustin Elmer shared memories of their close friend, Conrady.

“We were the farm kids. Ross was all about the country stuff — fishing, playing in the mud, hunting. We raised pigs,” said Ramlow.

“There was never a dull moment with him,” said Elmer, who was Conrady’s friend since kindergarten.

Leevey remembered his friend as a storyteller who loved to put a lot of ketchup on his food.

The three last saw their classmate at a basketball game Friday night.

Cindy Smith is a church volunteer who described 15-year-old Carpentier as “the life of the party. She was outgoing, fun and friendly.”

The name of the fourth person killed was not available Saturday, but it is believed she is not from the area.

Injured in the crash were Zach Rickord and Clark Schoonover, described as LCHS graduates attending Springfield College of Illinois in Springfield. Rickord was listed in stable condition Saturday night at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, and Schoonover was there in fair condition, a nursing supervisor said.

Dean Langdon, superintendent of the Lincoln high school district, earlier Saturday said the victims were all “outstanding kids of good character, all from very solid families.”

He said the school will have counselors, including representatives of various faith communities, available Tuesday when students return from the three-day Presidents Day weekend.

“The school is doing all that we can to help the students deal with this crisis,” Langdon said. “This is a very close-knit community, and we will all pull together in a difficult time like this.”

Hake was at the Springfield hospital Saturday night to comfort Schoonover — a former Lincoln baseball player — and his family.

“I was the one who told Clark (who had a broken collar bone and leg) what had happened to the others. He took it as well as could be expected,” Hake said.

“I knew all of the kids very well,” he said. “It’s really just a tragedy.”

Hake said the community is pulling together in the mourning period.

“Some of the students have made memorials of flowers and the like, doing what they can to deal with it,” Hake said.

Springfield College in Illinois probably will have a memorial service next week for the victims, said Susie Doddek, director of advancement for the campus in Springfield. Rickord and Schoonover and the unidentified person who was killed are believed to be students there. The college will wait for official confirmation first.

The college will have grief counselors on hand Monday, she said.

Meanwhile the accident remains under investigation, Logan County sheriff's police said.

County Coroner Bob Thomas’ office and the sheriff’s department released few details Saturday, saying the accident remains under investigation. He did confirm two males and two females were killed, and two males survived.

Middletown and New Holland fire and rescue squads, the Logan County sheriff’s police, state police and various area ambulance services were called to the scene, Thomas said.

Jim Ensign, Bridget Flynn and Roger Miller contributed to this report.

Take a look
Three girls who were friends of four youths who died in Friday night's fiery wreck near Middletown survey the scene at the base of Polecat Hill, Saturday, February 16, 2008. The tree at right was charred when the gasoline tank of the truck came off and fueled a fire that engulfed the extended cab pickup truck about one mile east of Middletown. (Pantagraph, David Proeber)
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Reader comments on this story - 35 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Allison wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:05 PM:

" I would like to thank Mr. Boyer for risking his own life to save the two boys. He is a true hero. One of the survivors is my cousins son. My prayers go out to the families and friends that lost a loved one. May God be with you all at this time of tragedy. "

from lincoln wrote on Feb 20, 2008 4:33 PM:

" We've all known locally for years that kids fly down this road known as Pole Cat hill for decades...usually out road crusing and drinking - but now they (the local road commissioners) aren't sure it is dangerous. Gee, I think it is. And a couple more signs really isn't going to help all that much, now is it? Re-do the road!! "

from lincoln wrote on Feb 20, 2008 4:33 PM:

" We've all known locally for years that kids fly down this road known as Pole Cat hill for decades...usually out road crusing and drinking - but now they (the local road commissioners) aren't sure it is dangerous. Gee, I think it is. And a couple more signs really isn't going to help all that much, now is it? Re-do the road!! "

former LC student wrote on Feb 18, 2008 1:11 PM:

" I knew of Chris, but I really didnt know any of the others, but I just wanted to say that this entire situation makes me sick to my stomach and the families are in my prayers. I was a student at Lincoln College and I can't even imagine what this tight nit community is going through. Things like this just don't seem fair. "

BB wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:55 PM:

" My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. I know the boys who survived and I pray for them. Lives will be changed forever! Just keep the prayers going. "

bb wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:39 PM:

" My heart and thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones. I know the 2 boys who survived and my prayers r with them and their families. LCHS keep them close and always remember!! "

Diane wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:04 PM:

" I do not know these young people but know the aunt of one of the young men that passed. They all need our prayers to help them through this. Mr. Boyer also needs our prayers to help him understand that they did something wonderful by saving 2 of the kids. This is something no parent should have to face but with God's help and all the people around them, I pray all the families will heal. God Bless all of families going through this. "

Joanne wrote on Feb 17, 2008 8:12 PM:

" This is a tragedy. As the Australian Aunt of Katie my heart goes out to my sister, her family and all the other families involved in this tragedy. My heart is breaking. "

Heather Wolf wrote on Feb 17, 2008 7:54 PM:

" What a sad, sad situation. Our hearts are with all of those who this has touched in some way or another. Thank god for Mike Boyer, a hero. "

Mike wrote on Feb 17, 2008 7:44 PM:

" Thanks to the Boyers. There is no possible way to express the thanks you both deserve for the courage that you displayed. My cousins son happened to be one of the blessed individuals that you were able to help. You did as much as you possibly could have and then some. You should hold your head high and be proud of the heoric act that you accomplished. Thanks again! "

hsc wrote on Feb 17, 2008 7:27 PM:

" God bless those who were there at the right place at the right time. All the families are in our prayers through this difficult period. They were all good kids, growing up in this community I either knew older siblings or ended up at the same hangouts. There are NO words that can be said to even come close to making this any easier. Just remember that this can happen to anyone at anytime....Always appreciate and make it known that you LOVE the ones in your life! "

bcf wrote on Feb 17, 2008 6:48 PM:

" My prayers for each family for their loss and wishing a good recovery for the 2 boys that are hospitalized for injuries. So very, very sad for so many, many people. "

Michelle Parker wrote on Feb 17, 2008 4:19 PM:

" Thoughts and prayers to all during this most difficult time. "

D Saint wrote on Feb 17, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Anyone who has driven that road knows that it isn't the easiest road to travel. The hills are so different that the only way you can see what's coming from the other side is when you come up on it and hit the crest of the hill. Not an easy road, regardless of speed. Also a lot of deer and other animals are on that road, which makes it tricky, especially at night.

I should know, I live about 2 miles from that road. "

Michelle Parker wrote on Feb 17, 2008 4:00 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers to all involved during this very difficult time. "

Marsha S wrote on Feb 17, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I would like to thank the couple who helped at the scene of this terrible crash, my cousins son was one of those boys.Our thoughts and prayers are with all Families and Friends of those involved. Thanks again. "

EPGHS Student wrote on Feb 17, 2008 12:45 PM:

" We know your pain, we lost 3 friends a year ago. Just keep praying and help each other out through this tough situation. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers! "

lchs alum wrote on Feb 17, 2008 10:10 AM:

" this is a very tragic situation. may our community surround the families of those lost and injured with prayers and support. a truly terrible loss for our community. "

duke wrote on Feb 17, 2008 10:05 AM:

" Pray and give your support to these families. Their lives have been torn apart and will never be the same as part of themselves and their future is gone. For all of you that have not lost a child understand that it is one of the worst things that can happen. It also affects the community in so many ways. To the parents take it day by day, understand life goes on, and find ways to live your life. God bless you. "

to: to kids wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:54 AM:

" thanks for your input. Its very helpful in this time. im sure you are the first person to think of that and thats why all of these accidents happen. too bad you didnt step in sooner. "

my wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:39 AM:

" thoughts and prayers are with these families.. and with the two that survived there lives will probebly never be the same. May god bless you all... "

JM wrote on Feb 17, 2008 8:54 AM:

" The last post about slowing down is totally out of hand. I know you just did it because you probably are just wanting to start something on here. Just don't be stupid on your comments. Back in 1985 (when I was 18) we hit a tree head on at about 30 miles an hour. Not very fast at all. These kinds of things happen no matter how fast (or slow) you're going. It doesn't really matter. The biggest thing is to reach out to these families if you can. I live in Farmer City and if this happened to people I knew, I definitely would be there to support them....My heart goes out to all of you that is affected by this tragedy....... "

fieldcrest Mom wrote on Feb 17, 2008 8:03 AM:

" all of us here in fieldcrest school district know your pain. We are all praying for those involved...one year ago (Feb. 16, 2007) we too lost 3 kids in what was a horrible accident. We think of our lost loved ones daily, We question why?, and live with the memories we all have of each one of them. There are no answers to these terrible accidents. We just have to keep going knowing that God is almighty, holds all the answers and is always there to comfort us at this time in need. It is not an easy path and some days are easier than others, however, we must hang on to the memories that we have of these loved children.
May God be with each and everyone of you through this time. Mike Boyer, you are a true Angel, you were God sent to that accident Friday night. A devine Appointment, and you answered your call. Also praying for you!
Thanking God for people like you who listen the God's still voice!!
May God Bless all,
Our deepest sympathy,
The Fieldcrest Community "

Kids!!! wrote on Feb 17, 2008 1:26 AM:

" SLOW DOWN!!! "

Olympia Mom wrote on Feb 16, 2008 10:11 PM:

" Such a terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "

Jason and Beth(Sutton)Cassidy wrote on Feb 16, 2008 8:28 PM:

" All the families are in our prayers!! "

acquaintance wrote on Feb 16, 2008 7:07 PM:

" I know these four will be truly missed. I see two of them in the halls everyday, it's heartbreaking. Please, please pray for the family's. You couldn't imagine what they're going through right now. "

Donna Hutchison wrote on Feb 16, 2008 6:43 PM:

" What a terrible ACCIDENT! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families at this time. "

Lincoln wrote on Feb 16, 2008 6:42 PM:

" I am thankful that I still have my 3 boys and that they weren't involved as they also go to LCHS. I pray so much for ALL of the families involved, as this is a tragic tragic accident. May God bless you all. "

DanielleNicole wrote on Feb 16, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Im sorry for the lost. You guys will be missed!. LCHS wont be the same! "

sad wrote on Feb 16, 2008 5:43 PM:

" these were kids. now is not the time for your blame. pray for the families and the two that did survive that will live with this for the rest of their lives. "

gmjpt wrote on Feb 16, 2008 5:40 PM:

" two survived because of the heroic actions of someone who witnessed the crash and pulled two of the kids out before the explosion. Such a sad and tragic situation. "

From what I was wrote on Feb 16, 2008 5:37 PM:

" told by EMT on the scene, a passerby pulled the two survivors from the truck before the flames were too big. "

Lincoln Resident on 3rd street wrote on Feb 16, 2008 5:21 PM:

" Prayers are needed for all the families right now "

Moosetracks wrote on Feb 16, 2008 3:47 PM:

" Our hearts are breaking. "
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