COLD SPRING, Ky. — Campbell County High School cheerleader Ava Markus died Tuesday after spending more than a week in the hospital following a crash, according to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office.
The crash occurred Sunday, Oct. 2 on Alexandria Pike near the intersection of St. Michael Drive in Cold Spring around 6 p.m. According to police, the 16-year-old was in a car that was struck by a semi. She died just weeks before her 17th birthday.
“We did have an entrapment of a subject in a smaller vehicle and we had to use our extrication equipment to extricate the victim from the vehicle. It took us 5 to maybe 7 minutes to have that person extricated and on their way to the hospital," said Fire Chief Dan Schultz.
Police are still investigating the crash. It's unclear if speed is a factor, but people who work in the area say cars speed on Alexandria Pike all the time.
Since the crash, the hashtag "#All4AvaGrace" has gathered nationwide support. It has made its rounds on Facebook and Twitter. It shows family, friends, teammates, and cheer squads from across the country wanting to show support — many posting pictures decked out in pink, Markus' favorite color.
“I think it’s crazy how fast it got around. Everyone at our school already loved Ava. Now everyone else loves her too,” said Campbell County High School junior Skylar Steffen.
In a statement, Markus' family spoke about seeing the memories and tributes from thousands of people.
"We have reflected over the past week and truly believe Ava is God's Angel," the family said. "The impact that our sweet Ava has had has spread past our local community and connected a nation in a way that we could never have imagined. She has shown us that there is kindness, compassion, and love in this world today. She has touched so many lives in a way we never imagined would be possible. The love and kindness she has created is simply incredible."
Both @coopercheer and @connerhscheer here at tonight’s game wearing their #all4avagrace ribbons! @Skyline_Chili @mercy_health @meijer @CooperFootball @ConnerCougars pic.twitter.com/E2ae9vytNJ
— Crosstown Showdown (@xtownshowdown) October 8, 2022
CCHS XC decked out in pink in support of the Markus Family! Sending our love!! #all4Avagrace pic.twitter.com/q5OmRkURea
— Camels XC (@CamelsXc) October 7, 2022
Markus' coach described her as the glue of the team
“(She's a) big part of the team. Friends with everyone on the team. She’s the friend that brings all the circles together," said Jacob Lawrence, Campbell County High School cheerleading coach.
Her family said the 16-year-old was an organ donor and will give the gift of life to others. They are planning a Halloween dance and more events in the following weeks to fund a scholarship in her name. They have also set up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses.
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#All4AvaGrace gathers nationwide support for Campbell County cheerleader seriously injured in crash
