A high school cheerleader was killed in a horrific crash after a state trooper crashed into her vehicle. Olivia Flores, 18, was one of seven people rushed to the hospital after a three-car collision on Saturday. Her family made the painful decision to turn off her life support, and she died on Sunday, just weeks before she was due to graduate from Owatonna High School.
The crash occurred at around 5:45 pm near the Apache Mall in Rochester, Minnesota, closing the stretch of road for seven hours. Investigators are now working to understand the full circumstances of the crash as tributes have been pouring in from the time Flores died.
Young Life Lost in Tragedy
"Instead of planning Olivia's graduation party and celebrating her next chapter in life, Steph and Carlos are left picking up the pieces of this tragedy," family friend Michal Otte wrote on a GoFundMe for her parents.
"Olivia was such a special young lady. To know her is to be inspired by her. She was fierce and she was loyal. She was beautiful down to her soul. I can only say to know her and love her was a gift!"
Her father, Carlos, told KIMT that his daughter was an active member of the school community. "She was so excited to graduate from Owatonna High School on June 7th," he said.
"She was the captain of the football cheer and basketball cheer teams and involved in young life. She is loved by so many."
An investigation has been launched to assess the circumstances under which Flores died.
School and Community Devastated
"Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Olivia Flores, a senior at Owatonna High School," Owatonna County School District, Superintendent Jeff Elstad said in a statement.
"Many supports are available at Owatonna High School for our students following this tragedy. Additional counselors and staff will be at the school throughout the week."
"Students are encouraged to reach out to OHS staff should they need support. If families have any concerns about their child, they should also reach out to the staff," they added.
Flores was traveling in a Ford Focus with a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old woman at the time of the crash.
State Trooper Shane Roper was turning left across Highway 14 when he collided with the Ford, according to KSTP.
He had a 20-year-old male passenger with him at the time.
Col. Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Police said: "Making sure motorists are safe as they travel Minnesota's roads is at the core of what we do each day. Our agency works hard to prevent crashes and save lives.
"On Saturday evening, a Minnesota State Patrol squad was involved in a crash in Rochester in which someone later died. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event."
