Bedford school district mourns loss of teens struck, killed by pickup

TEMPERANCE — Bedford Public Schools on Thursday announced that one of two teenagers killed this week after being struck by a pickup truck was a student in the district.

Superintendent Carl Shultz said in a statement that Justin Haun, 13, was an incoming freshman at Bedford High School and had attended Bedford Junior High School. His sister, Alyssa Haun, 16, was not a Bedford student and was visiting the area from her home near Cleveland, Mr. Shultz said.

Justin Haun, one of two teens struck and killed by a pickup truck Wednesday afternoon, would have attended Bedford High School in the fall.

The incident occurred at about 12:34 p.m. Wednesday on Sterns Road near Hidden Valley Drive. A vehicle, driven by Raymond E. Reyome, Jr., 49, of Erie, Mich., traveled off the edge of the roadway, across the shoulder, and onto the roadway easement, striking the two teens who were walking on the lawn of a private residence, according to a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The teens were taken to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, where they later died, the sheriff’s office reported.

Justin was “an incredible math student,” the superintendent said, and had won his school’s Math Student of the Year award. He also played in orchestra and ran cross country.

“This tragic news will no doubt leave everyone that has had contact with Justin and Alyssa grief stricken and at a loss for words,” Mr. Shultz said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Justin and Alyssa.”

The district said counseling support will be available to whose who need it.

Highland Local Schools in Medina, Ohio, announced Thursday afternoon that Alyssa was a junior at Highland High School. Her brother formerly was a student in that district, but had moved to Michigan with his mother several years ago, district spokesman Dawn Marzano said.

Ms. Marzano said Alyssa was “a very good student and had many close friends,” and said she was part of the National Honor Society, was on the speech and debate team, ran cross country, and was a member of the Highland Intercultural Program.

“Most of us cannot relate to the unimaginable heartbreak and loss this family is enduring,” Ms. Marzano said. “Please keep them in your prayers.”

Mr. Reyome, Jr., was not injured in the crash. Two passengers — a 32-year-old Toledo woman and another man — fled once the truck came to a stop, the release shows.

Deputies are still investigating the incident. They do not believe texting, speeding, or alcohol were factors.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 734-240-7715.