EUCLID, Ohio — Editor's Note: The above video aired on March 16, 2021
An 18-year-old high school student died in a Saturday morning car crash in Euclid.
According to the Euclid Police Department, Herman Taylor, a Euclid High School football player, and two other students were involved in a crash at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Dille Road around 4:15 a.m.
EPD says that it appears that Taylor was driving a Nissan Rogue on Euclid Avenue when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a traffic box, flipped over, and caught fire.
Passengers Jayvon Colvin and Savion Jones are also seniors at EHS. Both passengers were transported to area hospitals. Colvin remains hospitalized with serious injuries, while Jones has been released.
Euclid police add that several motorists stopped at the scene prior to the arrival of first responders. Ignoring the danger of the burning vehicle, they pulled Colvin and Jones to safety. Were it not for their bravery and quick thinking, Colvin and Jones could easily have died in the fire.
"They (motorists) are to be commended for their exceptional selflessness, bravery, and compassion," the department wrote in a Monday release.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of this horrible tragedy,” Euclid police said in a statement. "The Euclid Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, and loved ones."
Investigators believe that excessive speed was a contributing factor in the crash. At this time, it is not believed that any other vehicles played a role in the cause of the accident.
Late on Saturday, Euclid Schools Superintendent Chris Papouras released a statement on the tragic death of the one student and the injuries of the others.
"Earlier today, a Euclid High senior tragically losthis life as the result of a car accident near Euclid Avenue and Dille Road. Two additional Euclid High seniors were also involved in the caraccident, but are expected to recover from their injuries" Papouras wrote in the statement. "The Euclid Schools family is devastated by the loss of the life of a promising young man. Ourthoughts and prayers are with the family and friendsof this young man. We are hopeful for aspeedy and full recovery for the two young men who were also in the vehicle, involved in the accident."
The superintendent also said that the school will offer in-house grief-counseling sessions to students beginning on Monday, March 22.
Editor's Note: The below video aired on March 21, 2021