Tommy Barnard Tribute

Tragedy struck the Mantua area on Thursday morning when a Crestwood High School student was killed when the vehicle he was driving rolled over.

Thomas Barnard, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene after a single-car accident occurred on Mantua Center Road, just north of the Mennonite Road intersection at 11:17 a.m. when the Jeep Cherokee he was driving rolled after losing control.

Barnard was traveling southbound on Mantua Center Road when he drove partially off the road, according to the Ravenna Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. When he overcorrected, the vehicle lost control and went off the road. The vehicle struck a guardrail, overturned and then struck a tree before coming to rest.

Portage County Coroner Roger Marcial said the Barnard died as a result of "multiple blunt force injury" when the vehicle rolled over.

Barnard was not wearing a seat belt.

The passenger in the vehicle, Chris Graves, 16, was taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna and treated and released. He was wearing his seatbelt, the patrol said.

Mantua-Shalersville Fire Chief Matt Benner said Graves was transported to Robinson Memorial by the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department.

"This is sad," said Benner. "A lot of times this happens this time of year with young drivers."

Crestwood High School Principal Aaron Sable said he drove to Robinson Memorial to support the more than 50 students from Crestwood High School gathered outside showing solidarity for the boys and their families. In the mid-afternoon, Chris left the hospital on his own power.

"Obviously, he's emotionally distraught, but physically he seemed OK," said Sable.

He said even though school let out June 5, the high school's doors will be open for students at 10 a.m. today for counseling from guidance counselors as well as area church pastors.

"If more support is needed, we'll do what we can do provide support," Sable said. "We're doing what we can. Right now our No. 1 concern is our students and their families."

Barnard and Graves both were members of the Crestwood High School football team.

Sable said Barnard was active in many sports and activities at the school. In fact, when the accident occurred, he was on his way from football camp to basketball camp.

Tom Hannan, Barnard's football coach at Crestwood, said the team and the coaches will never forget the tight end and linebacker with the number 36.

"Honestly, I loved him like he was one of my own sons," Hannan said. "I am heart broken over the whole thing, and I am still shocked that something like this has happened."

Hannan said Barnard was working to improve his skills on the football field in preparation for the upcoming season.

"He was a fun loving, easy going kid ... so full of life ... always smiling," Hannan said. "Everyone loved him because he was able to keep our team loose and always had a good, positive attitude."

It was that attitude that will be missed most at Crestwood High School next school year.

"It's really tough," said Sable. "(Tommy) was a great kid and a great student. He was great representation of our community and of our school, and I think that was shown through the support of the students."