High school cheerleader, 18, is killed in horror crash when state trooper slammed into her vehicle and injured six others: Victim just weeks from graduating
- Olivia Flores, 18, was killed Saturday afternoon after a three-car collision
- The crash involved a state trooper and occurred near a shopping center in Rochester, Minnesota
- Flores was placed on a ventilator, but died the next day when the machine was turned off
A high school cheerleader has died in a horror crash after a state trooper crashed into her vehicle.
Olivia Flores, 18, was among a group of seven people rushed to hospital on Saturday after a collision involving three cars.
Her family made the painful decision to cut off her life support and she died Sunday, just weeks before she was set to graduate from Owatonna High School.
The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the Apache Mall in Rochester, Minnesota, closing the stretch for seven hours.
High school cheerleader, 18, killed in horror crash after state trooper crashed into her vehicle
Her family made the painful decision to cut off her life support and she died Sunday, just weeks before she was set to graduate from Owatonna High School.
Flores, 18, was among a group of seven people rushed to hospital on Saturday after a collision involving three cars
“Instead of planning Olivia’s graduation party and celebrating her next chapter in life, Steph and Carlos are left picking up the pieces of this tragedy,” family friend Michal Otte wrote in a post GoFundMe for her parents.
“Olivia was such a special young lady. To know her is to be inspired by her. She was fierce and loyal.
‘She was beautiful to her core. All I can say is that it was a gift to know and love her!’
High school cheerleader Olivia Flores has died in a horror crash after a state trooper crashed into her vehicle
Her father Carlos told her KIMT his daughter was an active member of the school community.
“She was so excited to graduate from Owatonna High School on June 7,” he said.
“She was the captain of the football and basketball cheer teams and involved in early life. She is loved by so many.”
Investigators are now trying to understand the full circumstances of the crash.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Olivia Flores, a senior at Owatonna High School,” Owatonna County School District Superintendent Jeff Elstad said in a statement.
“There are many supports available at Owatonna High School for our students following this tragedy. There will be additional counselors and staff at the school throughout the week.”
‘Students are encouraged to contact health and safety staff if they require support. If families have any concerns about their child, they should also contact staff,” she added.
The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the Apache Mall in Rochester, Minnesota, closing the stretch for seven hours.
Flores was driving a Ford Focus with a 19-year-old and 21-year-old woman at the time of the crash.
State Trooper Shane Roper was turning left on Highway 14 when he struck the Ford KSTP.
He had a 20-year-old male passenger with him at the time.
Col. Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Police said, “Ensuring motorists drive safely on Minnesota roadways is at the heart of what we do every day. Our agency works hard to prevent accidents and save lives.
“Saturday evening, a Minnesota State Patrol crew was involved in a crash in Rochester that later left one person dead. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event.”