A Pennsylvania high school football player was found dead in a car crash last Saturday before his best friend, who’d also been in the vehicle, was found dead by suicide less than two hours later.
The East Lampeter police stated, authorities responded to a single-vehicle crash at 12:13 a.m. found a 16-year-old boy, since identified by family as Tyreese Smith, deceased under the car, which had rolled over.
Two other passengers confirmed as, Tyler Zook, 17 and Amalie Wendt, 18 were also involved in the crash. They were riding in a Hyundai Santa Fe when it veered off the road and crashed into a field in East Lampeter Township just after midnight Saturday.
Smith suffered traumatic injuries and died of asphyxiation and Wendt was hospitalized after the car rolled several times and landed on its side.
Shortly after, at 1:54 a.m., police were called to a shooting about a mile-and-a-half away from the crash scene. Upon arrival, police found a 17-year-old boy, since identified as Tyler Zook, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police confirmed that he had been in the car during the crash and had fled the scene.
Police say the car was owned by the father of the injured victim, but it’s unclear who was driving. East Lampeter police spokesman Lt. Rob Eachus reported that speed was a huge factor in the car crash.
“The investigation is still on going as we collect further evidence and information, said Lt. Rob Eachus.
Zook’s obituary says Smith was his “best friend.” The two were teammates on the football team at Conestoga Valley Senior High School in Lancaster.
According to the team’s Hudl.com page, Smith was a running back and outside linebacker in the class of 2024, while Zook was an offensive and defensive tackle in the class of 2023.
Zook and Smith had played football together for 10 years and were getting ready for the fall season at Conestoga Valley Senior High School in Lancaster, where Zook had just finished his junior year and Smith was an outgoing sophomore.
The friends also both worked as cooks at a Sonic Drive-In and had been on the clock at the burger joint Friday night before the crash, a mourning classmate said.
Smith’s obituary describes him as a “loving son” to his mother who loved sports, especially football and basketball.
“Ty will be remembered for his playful personality and his ability to bring joy to others,” the obituary states. “He had an infectious smile that naturally attracted people to him. He was dedicated to his family and will be remembered for his countless selfless acts.”
Zook’s obituary says, “Tyler enjoyed spending time with his teammates both on and off the field. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with family, and being at the beach.”
Classmates flocked to a makeshift memorial near their high school which featured a cross made out of planks of wood in the school’s red and blue team colors, flowers, balloons and pictures.
GoFundMe pages have been started for the families of both Smith and Zook.
How terrible…Prayers for both families. RIP Ty and Tyler. May God keep both families wrapped close to Him in his arms. GOD BLESS