Moon Area High School senior killed in crash in Franklin Park
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A high school senior was killed in a crash on Interstate 79 on Wednesday night.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the driver died when he was thrown from his vehicle after hydroplaning while driving north on I-79 in Franklin Park. Troopers say his vehicle struck a guide rail after losing control.
The driver died at the scene while his passenger was injured. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office identified the driver as 18-year-old Luke Cooper of Crescent Township. He was a senior at Moon Area High School.
"He was always a funny kid in the locker room. Everybody could talk to him for just about everything," said Michael Staaf, who was friends with Cooper.
"I was just struck down immediately," Staaf added. "Words can't describe, in that moment, how I felt. Just pain and feeling lost."
Before a change in plans, Staaf was supposed to be with his friend and hockey teammate last night.
"Part of me wishes I was there with him," he said. "Maybe something may have gone differently, and he would be sitting with me here today."
Staaf said Cooper had a smile that would light up a room, including the locker room with the hockey team.
"Kid always had a goofy smile on his face that everybody loved and everybody could get along with him," Staaf said.
With big life moments ahead like prom and graduation, Staaf never thought his friend wouldn't be part of them.
"God had other plans for him, but I know he will be with us for both those days," Staaf said.
The district released this statement on Thursday, saying:
"We were deeply saddened to learn that a student at Moon Area High School was in a fatal car accident last evening. We have additional counselors available at the High School for students and staff members in need of grief support. On behalf of the Moon Area School District community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student's family and friends at this difficult time."
The passenger in the vehicle was taken to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.
