Norwegian schools are honoring the life of an eighth-grader who died in an accident

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A community is coming together with heavy hearts after a heartbreaking tragedy in Wayne County that claimed the life of 14-year-old eighth grader Aurora Krahenbuhl.

Krahenbuhl was one of five teenagers in a car traveling to the home game at Norwayne Community Stadium on Friday evening when the vehicle lost control, rolled over and crashed. A high school student who was also in the car was critically injured.

On Friday night, Norwayne's home game against Chippewa was canceled. The game was postponed to Saturday.

According to Superintendent Kevin Leatherman, there will be a game and dance to celebrate the Norwegian local schools' homecoming at a later date.

“Tonight is really about uniting, coming together, showing our support for each other and for Aurora and her family,” said Superintendent Leatherman.

With tears in her eyes, Aurora's aunt, Shannon Krahenbuhl, spoke to 19 News.

“I think it's very important to teach our children to be more responsible when driving … because something like this can happen,” Krahenbuhl said. “The most valuable thing we value is very easy to lose.”

As a minute's silence was held in Aurora's honor during the game, there was silence in the stadium.

Aurora's mother, Melanie Krahenbuhl, cried as she spoke to 19 News.

“I want every child to understand that safety is important when driving,” she said.

Tyler, Aurora's twin brother, tried to be strong as he joined others wearing red ribbons in remembrance.

Now the family, including Aurora's grandmother Tawnya, would like to thank the community for their support as Tawnya lost a 17-year-old granddaughter to the flu in February.

“The donations, the support, the condolences, they contributed so much to her funeral,” Tawnya said. “They also did it in February when my other granddaughter died. This community is the best.”

A prayer vigil honoring Aurora's life will be held on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Norwayne Community Stadium.

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