Teen killed in car crash was Butler High senior
PENN TWP — The 18-year-old killed in a car crash early Saturday morning was a Butler High School senior who ran cross country.
Ethan Alexander Linnon of Butler was killed shortly after midnight on Meridian Road in the township when the Toyota he was driving left the road and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy Coroner Larry Barr said that it had rained before the crash and the car hydroplaned.
Injured in the crash were Hannah Starcher and Nicole Fry, whose ages and addresses were unavailable.
Butler School District Superintendent Dale Lumley said counselors will be available for students and staff all week.
In a statement, Lumley said, “The death of Ethan is a tragedy for our entire school and community. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. We wish for the speedy recovery of Hannah Starcher and Nicole Fry, and offer sympathy and support to our students and staff who share this grief.”
Butler cross country coach Rick Davanzati said he found out Saturday morning that Linnon had died while hosting a sixth-grade cross country meet.
“The real shame is that a life has been taken and so much potential lost, academically and athletically,” Davanzati said.
He said that the varsity team’s top runner, Noah Beveridge, was Linnon’s best friend and he was devastated.
“This is tearing a lot of our kids up. Ethan was a good kid and so well-liked in school ... I don’t know what else to say. It’s such a tragic incident that took place there,” Davanzati said.
Linnon is survived by his parents, Brion and Erin Linnon, and his brother, Connor Linnon; as well as several grandparents, aunts and uncles.
