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Image: Olivia Flores-PHOTO: GOFUNDME
ROCHESTER, Minn. — A teenage girl who loved cheerleading and had huge ambitions for the future tragically lost her life in a multi-vehicle crash last month. Olivia Flores, 18 years old and just weeks away from graduating from Owatonna High School, died following the crash on May 18th in Rochester, according to the city's news release.
The fatal accident involved three automobiles - a Minnesota State Patrol squad vehicle, a Ford Focus carrying Flores as a passenger, and a Toyota RAV4. Authorities state the patrol car was eastbound on 12th Street SW when it impacted the westbound Ford as it turned towards Apache Mall. The forceful impact then propelled the Ford into the Toyota, exiting the mall premises.
Following the catastrophic wreck, a critically injured Flores was rushed to Mayo Clinic Hospital but succumbed to her grave injuries a day later on May 19th. Loved ones were understandably devastated by the stunning loss. "Olivia was such a gem of a person - vibrant, loyal, and beautiful inside and out. Knowing her was an absolute gift," expressed Michal Otte, who launched an online fundraiser for the Flores family.
At Owatonna High, Flores starred on the cheerleading squad and was admired by peers. "She truly uplifted everyone around her as an amazing cheerleader, dear friend, and all-around incredible person," her teammates stated. Fellow cheer captain Mariah Cuellar told an NBC Affiliate that Flores was " “truly was a good teammate” and one of her best friends."
Stephanie Flores, Olivia's mother, emotionally remarked that her daughter's vivacious spirit was one-of-a-kind. "She was hilarious yet fierce, leaving everything on the mat whether cheering or just living life to the fullest." A multi-year cheerleader who captained the football and basketball cheer teams her senior year, Olivia hoped to coach after taking a gap year for travel, including planned trips to Washington D.C. and the Pacific coast.
"Our entire community is profoundly saddened by this unimaginable tragedy," Superintendent Jeffrey S. Elstad told PEPOLE, confirming crisis counselors were available to students and staff at Owatonna High. Investigations into the circumstances behind the deadly collision are ongoing by Rochester authorities.
Besides Olivia, four other people aged 19 to 32 were hospitalized due to injuries from the crash. Among those taken to the hospital were the driver and another passenger from the Ford, as well as the police car's driver and a ride-along passenger. The Rochester Police Department is investigating the crash to find out what exactly happened.
