Lake County community mourning 10th grader killed in crash

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) - Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said a one-vehicle accident in Geauga County early Saturday morning claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy, who was a popular student in neighboring Lake County. Investigators said it was just before 1 a.m. that the driver of a pickup truck, 19-year-old Noah Leininger of Burton, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree on Burton Heights Boulevard in Newbury Township. Two of his passengers, 19-year-old Martin Grisard and 18-year-old Autumn Ellerson, suffered minor injuries, but Grisard’s brother, 15-year-old Ben Grisard, was killed in the crash. Troopers said it appears Noah Leininger, who was not injured, was driving too fast and lost control on a sharp curve in the road. Troopers said none of the teens were wearing seat belts. On the campus of Riverside High School in Painesville Township, students, teachers and staff members are mourning the loss of Ben Grisard, a 10th grader who was known for, among other things, playing the tuba in the marching band. "It is extremely heartbreaking for the whole community, obviously the family especially, but when somebody in our community hurts, we all hurt, especially in a tight group,” said Riverside Band Boosters President Ray Strimpel. For those at Riverside High School who are grieving, the death of Ben Grisard is providing a teaching moment and important lessons for the entire community. "Wear your seat belt and be careful. Life is short. You never know when your end is, so you've got to make sure you've got priorities and live by them,” said Strimpel. Ben Grisard was also a member of the Riverside High School track team and was already emerging as a leader. "Ben was a kid who had really strong convictions. Ben was fierce about his friends and he stood up and fought for himself and for those who needed fighting for,” said Riverside track coach Kathy Babcock. Grief counseling is now being made available at the school and the community is planning several tributes to honor the memory of Ben Grisard. The Riverside Band Boosters have started a fundraiser in Ben's name to purchase a protective shell for the band bleachers at Riverside High School Stadium. In addition, a banner honoring Ben will put up at the stadium this spring. The honor is normally reserved for Riverside seniors. "Ben impacted kids, he impacted teachers and the best thing we can do moving forward is to take the ways that he impacted us and continue to live that, continue to live with deep convictions,” said Babcock. Funeral services for Ben Grisard will be held on Saturday in the Riverside High School Field House.