COLUMBUS, Ohio — Indian Lake Schools and surrounding community members are mourning the loss of 17-year-old Chloe Hodge, who was killed in a car crash last Thursday.
Hodge, who is from Bellefontaine, was a junior at Indian Lake High School and also enrolled in the Health Careers Academy program at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP).
The schools describe her as a "bright light who always wanted to help people."
"She was smart, funny, and always quick to lend a hand. Chloe continues to help others as an organ and tissue donor," a joint statement read.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office said a Ford F-150 was traveling north on County Road 130 when the driver traveled left of center and into the path of a Honda CR-Z, driven by Hodge. The two vehicles collided head-on.
Hodge ultimately died from injuries sustained in the crash. The other driver was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries, but police described her as stable.
That driver was cited for going left of center, but detectives suspect she may have been impaired or under the influence at the time of the crash.
Waynesfield Police Department shared a statement expressing their condolences for the family, friends and community members who knew Hodge.
"The Waynesfield Police Department would like to send its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all of the Indian Lake community, after the passing of a second Indian Lake Schools' student in less than two months."
On Dec. 2, 17-year-old Nolan Purk – who was also a junior at the high school – died in a single-vehicle crash.
The Loss Crisis Team has counselors at both Indian Lake High School and OHP to help students and staff who are struggling. The team will be available throughout the week and as needed in the future.
"This is a really difficult time for the students and staff of both schools. For Indian Lake, this is the second tragic loss of a student in two months," the joint statement read. "We will get through this together, as hard as the days ahead will be. We very much appreciate the outpouring of support that we have already received from our community."
In honor of Hodge, students and staff at both schools are asked to wear her favorite color, lavender, on the day of her services.