Lakota freshman identified as victim in fatal Middletown crash

Investigators remained on the scene at North Verity Parkway for hours; several others hurt.

A 14 year-old Lakota High School freshman has been identified as the person killed late Saturday night in a one-vehicle crash on North Verity Parkway in Middletown.

Laith Masri of Liberty Twp. died of multiple traumatic injuries and his death ruled an accident by the Butler County Coroner’s Office.

Lakota School Schools, which is on spring break this week, released a statement.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our Lakota West Freshman students, Laith Masri. Information has been shared with our families and staff about counseling and grief support that will be available during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laith’s family and friends, as well as those of our other students who were also involved in the accident,” said Betsy Fuller, district director of communications.

Masri was a passenger in an SUV that hit a pole on North Verity Parkway at Hughes Street about 11:15 p.m. before exiting a the road and overturning in a wooded area. The vehicle was traveling south when the crash happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other five occupants of the vehicle suffered various injuries ranging from minor to life threatening, officials said Monday afternoon. Two of the occupants were transported to Kettering Medical center, while the other three were transported to the Atrium Medical Center.

Excessive speed is being investigated as a contributing factor, according to police.

The crash happened on a curve in the road. The vehicle ended up going off the road and into a wooded area.

Middletown police and the Butler County Serious Accident Reconstruction Team were at the scene investigating for several hours.

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