Beaver County family grieves after tragic accident kills Riverside High School student

NORTH SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Tears fall from the faces of a family now shattered by loss.

“We were really close,” said Hailey Miller, Connor Lutz’s sister, holding back tears.

>> Teen killed in Beaver County crash; 2 other teens hospitalized

Connor, a Riverside High School junior, was killed when the car he was riding in struck a tree on Friday night. The 16-year-old was in the front passenger seat, his 14-year-old brother in the back, and a 16-year-old friend was behind the wheel.

Tim Coe, Connor’s stepdad, spoke about the tragedy and hope for the future.

“We want kids to know that really bad things can happen, even though they are not intended. We were all kids, did stupid things, but you never want to see consequences like this,” he said.

Connor’s mother Jodi Coe told Channel 11 her 14-year-old son is still struggling as he did everything he could to help his big brother.

“His brother did everything he could at the crash scene. He flagged someone down, called 911, and did more than any 14-year-old or adult would know how to do. He did it all,” she said.

The family’s grief is compounded by memories of Connor’s passion for motors.

“Connor loved everything with a motor. He was excited for his driver’s test on Wednesday. He was so excited his sister was going to take him to get his driver’s license,” Jodi Coe said, breaking into tears. “Unfortunately, we’re standing here today, and that’s not going to happen.”

Through their heartbreak, the family finds solace in the strength of their community. “He was always out looking for new friends, new people to ride with. He always put a smile on everybody’s face. He touched a lot of people,” said Connor’s brother, Gavin Lutz.

Whether it was his love for dirt biking or simply showing up with a smile and a pair of dirty jeans, Connor’s family knows his memory will live on in all who knew him.

“That was Connor—that was who he was,” Jodi Coe said. “I love that boy. He’s truly missed.”

Connor’s funeral will be held in Ellwood City on Wednesday. In his honor, the family is bringing his dirt bike to the service, asking anyone who knew him to sign it so they can have a lasting memorial to remember him forever.

Meanwhile, his school district put out a statement remembering the teen and letting the school community that counselors would be on hand this week for anyone who needs to talk.

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