St. Ignatius teen dies in Strongsville crash

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Family, friends and classmates are mourning the death of a St. Ignatius High School senior who died in a car crash early Saturday morning.

Adam Grodzik, 17, of Columbia Station, died when police said his car crossed the center line on Royalton Road in Strongsville and slammed into a dump truck.

Adam's parents, Tim and Pam Grodzik, told NewsChannel5  that their son was funny, had a heart of gold and he enjoyed snow skiing and motorcycles.

"The world is going to miss the man he would have become," Mrs. Grodzik said.

Adam played on the St. Ignatius lacrosse and hockey teams.

The lacrosse team released the following statement on their website:

"Saint Ignatius High School mourns the loss of Adam Grodzik, member of the class 2011, who died in a fatal automobile accident on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

"We have lost a teammate, friend and brother. Adam will be missed and your prayers for Adam, his family and our St. Ignatius community are greatly appreciated."

Adam was also part of the school's Labre Society, which delivers food to homeless people at area bridges and overpasses.

Father Bill Murphy, president of St. Ignatius High School, said Adam's involvement in the group was an example of living by the school's motto: "Men for Others."

"To look into the eyes of the homeless and to be able to have compassion and be a brother to them, that's a pretty powerful thing for a 17-year-old," Father Murphy said.

Strongsville Police responded to 20851 Royalton Road just before 6 a.m. Saturday after neighbors reported a loud crash. Police said Grodzik's car burst into flames.

Residents rushed outside to help, but couldn't pull the boy from the wreckage.

Police said the dump truck is owned by Ohio Truck Asphalt Specialites. The driver, who has not been identified, was not hurt.

On Sunday, Adam's parents and friends left flowers and prayed at the site of the accident.

Relatives wonder if Adam fell asleep at the wheel.

His parents said Adam went to Cedar Point on Friday and spent the night with friends.

He was only a few miles from home when the crash happened.

Priests and counselors will comfort the St. Ignatius student body this week.

"God would never wish this on anybody. God didn't do this, but given the bad things that happen to us in life, God's grace is always present," Father Murphy said.

The school will hold two prayer services Monday morning. A brief service for members of Adam’s class and other close friends will be held in St. Mary’s Chapel on the St. Ignatius campus at 7:40 a.m.

At 8:10 a.m., a second service will be help for the entire student body and faculty in the Sullivan Gymnasium.

Classes will continue in their regular order after the second service.

Four masses will also be said for Adam during the school day on Monday, one during each of the four lunch periods. The masses will also be held in St. Mary’s Chapel.