K Oteng
Olivia Flores, a senior in high school, passed away due to the injuries she sustained in a tragic accident involving a state trooper last weekend.
Flores, who was 18 years old, was one of seven individuals taken to the hospital on Saturday following a collision between three vehicles, one of which was driven by a state trooper.
The pile-up occurred during rush hour traffic at 5:45 pm near Apache Mall in Rochester, Minnesota, about 100 miles southeast of Minneapolis.
The wreckage was bad enough to close down the busy intersection for several hours Saturday night.
Flores’ death was announced by her family the next day.
“Olivia Flores passed away at 2:57 this afternoon. Her family was by her side as they turned off her life support,” her aunt, Tammy Olseon Harber, told local CBS affiliate KIMT on Sunday.
“She was loved and will be missed by all of us,” she added.
Kamie Roesler, the teen’s father, said that Flores was a keen member of the school community and looking forward to their graduation.
“She was so excited to graduate from Owatonna High School on June 7th,” Roesler told KIMT.
“She was the captain of the football cheer and basketball cheer teams and involved in young life. She is loved by so many,” he said.
The Owatonna County School District, which oversees Owatonna High School where Flores was preparing to graduate, also issued their condolences on Monday.
“Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Olivia Flores, a senior at Owatonna High School,” Superintendent Jeff Elstad said in a statement.
“Many supports are available at Owatonna High School for our students following this tragedy. Additional counselors and staff will be at the school throughout the week.”
“Students are encouraged to reach out to OHS staff should they need support. If families have any concerns about their child, they should also reach out to the staff,” they added.
The Rochester Police Department is currently investigating the wreck, including the involvement of a Minnesota state trooper.
A GoFundMe donation page has been set up to help Flores’ family cover the cost of her emergency medical care and funerary services.
