Brunswick fatal crash brings communities together

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Brunswick and Strongsville High School have been rivals on the football field for decades. But the support between the two communities has grown like never before in one week.

On June 3, a fatal car accident took the lives of Lexi Poerner, Kevin Fox, Jeffrey Chaya and Blake Bartchak, all students at Brunswick High School.

One week after the accident, communities continue to come together and lend their support to four grieving families.

"There are ribbons all over Strongsville High School and Pearl Road. We are here for them and we will do whatever we can to help them out in their time of need," said Brianna Heilman, a 2011 Strongsville High graduate.

Brianna and several of her friends got together and made signs to be placed on the growing memorial marking the site of the crash in Columbia Township. One sign reads, "Divided on the field, united in our hearts."

"Anytime we play Brunswick, it's a big deal. But at the same time, we want to support them for what just happened to them," explained Lauren Sabolik, Strongsville girls softball coach.

Most of Pearl Road in Brunswick is covered in blue and white ribbons in support of Brunswick High School. Now, a large stretch of Pearl Road in Strongsville is looking the same.

"People in Brunswick are going through a difficult time now. Everything helps them no matter what it is," said Kat Siamicis, a Strongsville High School student. "We need to continue doing what we're doing and support them."