Central Valley H.S. Student Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Days Before Graduation
POTTER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A teenager, who was just days away from his high school graduation, was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday evening in Beaver County.
The accident happened in the 300-block of Raccoon Creek Road in Potter Township just after 7 p.m.
The victim has been identified as 18-year-old John Barbuto. He was a senior at Central Valley High School.
Police are investigating whether speed may have played a role in the crash.
Chief Barry Kramer says a passing motorist witnessed Barbuto crash the bike and tried to render first aid, but Barbuto did not survive.
Police say the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the accident and no one else was hurt.
KDKA learned that Barbuto was one of six children in his family and that the teen was set to graduate on June 6 from Central Valley.
"Definitely a somberness within the school today," said co-Principal Anthony Mendicino. "John was really a kind, warm-hearted kid. He had a heart as big as this school."
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As news spread through the community Monday night, students and even Barbuto's parents and extended family started showing up at the high school.
"We probably had about 200, 250 people here last night," said Mendicino. "A lot of John's friends, his family, some of his teachers came out."
Medicino says an additional eight counselors were brought in today to help grieving friends and classmates.
Students were gathering in the high school auditorium as well on Tuesday to talk with counselors and to sign memorial banners with messages to John.
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