A Canton teen died in a tragic car accident near Toledo on Sunday evening. School officials from Canton Central Catholic confirmed the unfortunate news that junior student Jacob Brown was the one who died in the crash.
Maumee police responded to the fatal car crash at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, near Key and White streets, according to Cleveland.com. Cops said Brown was driving a 2014 Black Ford Fusion westbound on US 24 at a high rate of speed when the car left the roadway and struck a tree, resulting in the teen's death.
David Oates, the school's principal, said he asked the community to pray for Brown, his friends, and his family. He noted that their community is very sad to have to share the news of Brown's passing. He added that Central Catholic is a small, close-knit community, and his loss will be felt deeply by their Crusader family.
Brown a huge loss for the Crusader soccer team
Oates said that students, staff, and their families had been informed of Brown's death. He added that they have their campus minister, guidance counselors, and president, the Rev. Donald King, ready to talk and pray with any staff member, family member, or student who needs them, Cleveland 19 reported.
The school decided to cancel a Booster Club meeting scheduled for Monday night, and the boys' soccer sectional tournament game set to be played on Monday has been postponed at the team's request as well. Brown was part of the Crusader soccer team, making his death a tough one to process for the squad.
The soccer game was rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at home against Loudonville, with attendees asked to wear white in honor of Brown. Brown and his family were remembered at the start of the match.
Community honors Brown and his family
The senior class also canceled the "Beat Aquinas" bonfire planned for Tuesday, October 18.
The Beat Aquinas pep rally scheduled for Thursday, October 20, has also been canceled because of Brown's death, according to the Independent. Students have requested a prayer service to be held for Brown instead of the pep rally. He will also be remembered at the start of the school's home football game against St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday.
King, the Stark County Catholic Schools president, said that the loss deeply saddens the community. He said that as they do in all things, they have come together in prayer, and they ask the community to join them as they pray for Brown and his friends and family, who need the comfort of God now more than ever. He added that may Brown's soul rest in peace.
