Teenage victims identified in crash at Lorain marina

LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) -- The Lorain County Coroner's Office identified the two bodies recovered from a car that crashed into the water at a Lorain marina Friday morning. The bodies were identified as 18-year-old Lucille Hopkins and 17-year-old Paige Williams. According to Lorain police, three people were reportedly in the car when the crash happened at about 4:15 a.m. Friday, March 6, at West Erie and Oak Point Road at the Beaver Park Marina. Police said Lorain officers initially responded to reports of a downed utility pole. While investigating, an 18-year-old man told police that he was a passenger in the backseat of a vehicle that crashed into Lake Erie after hitting a utility pole, and he escaped through a backseat window. He told police a female driver and another female passenger had also been in the car. According to EHOVE Career Center, Hopkins and Williams both attended the school. In the statement shared to Facebook, Superintendent Chris M. McCully wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that two members of our EHOVE family were involved in a car accident and have passed away — one of our current senior students and a graduate from the Class of 2025, Cosmetology student Paige Williams and Medical Careers alumna Lucille Hopkins. This news is difficult for our entire school community. Anytime we lose a part of our school family, the loss is felt across our entire community. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, classmates, and all who knew them. We understand that this news may be upsetting for many students. Our crisis response team has been mobilized, and additional counselors will be available on campus next week to support any students or staff members who wish to talk. We encourage families to talk with their children and reach out to the school if additional support is needed. If your child would like to speak with someone, please contact the school, and we will make sure support is available. Thank you for being such a supportive and caring community. Please keep the families affected by this tragedy in your thoughts." The incident remains under investigation.