WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — More details have been released about a weekend crash that sent two local teenagers to the hospital.
It happened Saturday night after Miami Trace High School’s annual prom event in Fayette County.
Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth said that Kylan C. Knapp, 18, and his passenger Emily J. Helms, also 18, both of Washington Court House, were seriously hurt when Knapp crashed his car near Bloomingburg New Holland and Lewis Roads. Stanforth said the two were leaving the dance when the crash occurred.
Rumors have circulated in the community that Knapp might have been doing burnouts in his car in the parking lot of the school before the crash, and fled from deputies. The Sheriff said that his deputies are investigating that allegation.
“Prior to the crash, it was reported that the Knapp vehicle and possibly a second vehicle were operating in a reckless manner on the school parking lot,” Stanforth said. “A nearby deputy was alerted to the reckless operation by deputies working the prom event. As the deputy was entering the parking lot of the Miami Trace High School, the vehicle later determined to be operated by Knapp departed the Miami Trace High School parking lot at a high rate of speed traveling northeast on Bloomingburg New Holland Road. The deputy turned around to exit the parking lot and attempted to catch up with the vehicle but lost site and subsequently drove upon the crash, rendering aid to the occupants until the arrival of EMS.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser was created Sunday to help the pair with medical expenses.
Stanforth added that he doesn’t believe alcohol was a factor in the crash initially, but the matter remains under investigation.
“We would welcome any and all video recordings and witness observations to be included in the investigation,” the Sheriff said. “The facts will direct the investigation culminating in the appropriate conclusion.”
Miami Trace Local Schools Superintendent Kim Pittser told the Guardian, “Saturday’s prom was in many ways a return to normalcy for our high school students and an opportunity for the community – the district leadership team, community chaperones, and law enforcement – to be present and show their support. The joy of the evening turned quickly to concern when we heard the news of a student accident later that night.”
Pittser went on to say, “We ask students, parents, and the community to respect the privacy of the families involved, and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time. The district is prepared with counseling opportunities for students at the high school and is supporting students as needed.”
