Black River cancels tests, games as students mourn grad killed in Huntington Township crash (UPDATED)

HUNTINGTON TWP. — The Black River Schools community is in mourning following the death of a 2019 graduate who was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash on state Route 58 in Huntington Township. Jacob Blakesslee, of Sullivan Township, was driving south in a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta on Route 58 at 5:19 p.m, said a news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol. The Jetta went left of center and was hit on the passenger side by a northbound 2003 Ford Explorer. Blakesslee, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, died at the scene from his injuries. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in the crash, which closed Route 58 for about three hours and remains under investigation. The driver of the Explorer was a 16-year-old, also from Sullivan Township. The Highway Patrol did not identify him in the release because he's a minor, but did say he was wearing his seat belt. A statement from Black River schools identified Blakesslee as a 2019 graduate of the high school. He was a golfer, football player and wrestler for the Pirates. The district is taking steps to help students with grief counselors available for students and staff members. Also, midterm exams set for Thursday and today have been postponed until after winter break. The Keystone at Black River boys basketball game originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to the fatal crash. The Black River at Clearview girls game Saturday also has been postponed. No makeup dates have been announced.