2 Lakewood Ranch Teens Killed On Way To Homecoming Dance

BRADENTON, FL -- Grief counselors are on hand at Lakewood Ranch High School Monday following the deaths of two students in a crash on their way to homecoming Saturday night, Sept. 15.

Chase Coyner, 17, was driving his Honda Accord west on State Road 64. Matthew Powers, 15, also was in the car. The two friends were on their way to the high school's homecoming dance.

The crash occurred at 7:40 p.m. when Coyner made a left turn onto Pope Road and failed to see a Dodge Ram traveling east through the intersection.

The driver of the Dodge, 39-year-old Dallas Gross, received minor injuries but his passenger, 12-year-old Ayla Gross, is listed in critical condition at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

As fellow students left memorial tributes at the scene of the crash on Sunday, Lakewood Ranch High School band director Ron Lambert posted a tribute to clarinet player Matthew Powers on the band's Facebook page.

Hello to all of you in Mustang Bandland.

I apologize for the late post. It is with a very heavy heart and with the blessing of the family that I must announce the passing of Sophomore Clarinet Matt Powers. His life was taken in an automobile accident on SR 64 and Pope earlier this evening that also claimed the life of his friend Lakewood Ranch senior Chase Coyner.

I am humbled and honored that the family chose us to respect his memory. I am humbled and honored to have spent countless days and hours watching Matt grow (not only as a musician but as a young man and in height - about 6 inches in a year!). I am humbled and honored because his dad told me tonight that band was the one thing that truly made Matt happy.

I Love You All; Students, Parents, and Alumni. Our Band Family is special, it is real and it is yours. There is no way to explain the feelings that will rush over us and through YOU in the coming days. There will be counselors and support structures in place when we get to school Monday to assist with our grief. The Band Room will be open to you. It is your home and a place where you can be safe.

The Mustang Band Family will be strong for the Powers family. We will support them and love them, and when the time comes, we will take part in his memorial. Please stay connected as those details become available. Please join in a collective prayer for comfort and peace. Please hold on to each other tighter than ever because Matt Powers would want that. He loved being a Mustang Band Kid! If you need anything, contact me at lambert@manateeschools.net. I am staying connected to Mr. Powers and am taking his lead throughout the coming days. Our outward actions will take place accordingly.

Sincerely Yours, Mr. Lambert

Image via Facebook

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