ROSS TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Two close friends were killed Sunday in a crash on Ohio 128, according to the Butler County coroner's office and family memers.
The victims were driver Dulce Rosa Avila, 18, of Harrison, Ohio, and passenger Laura Grace Estes, 17, of Hamilton, Ohio.
A small memorial marks the spot along Hamilton-Cleves Road where they were killed at about 11:25 a.m. Sunday. Ross Township police told WCPO media partner the Journal-News their car collided with a dump truck.
Estes' aunt, Jessica Weber, said the girls were headed to Avila's house.
No other details have been released. The crash remains under investigation.
Estes attended Butler Tech School of the Arts and was a senior at Ross High School. Her family said she was very loving and will be deeply missed.
"There's absolutely nothing in the world that can prepare for the death of someone who is so young, so suddenly," Weber said.
Michael Beauchat, spokesman for Butler Tech, said Monday was difficult for students and staff. There were grief counselors on hand at Butler Tech and Ross.
Weber said she hopes people see what she saw: an independent, passionate girl has been lost.
"Don't take advantage that there could be a next time," she said. "Always give that last hug."
She's raising money for her niece's funeral expenses.
