High School CheerLeader, Ava Markus, Dies at 16

Campbell County High School cheerleader Ava Markus passed away on Tuesday after spending more than a week in the hospital following a crash, as per the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.

The crash occurred Sunday, October 2 at Alexandria Pike which is near the intersection of St. Michael Drive in Cold Spring around 6 p.m.

What Happened to Ava Markus?

Campbell County High School cheerleader Ava Markus passed away Tuesday after spending more than a week at the hospital following a deadly crash, according to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office. The crash happened on Sunday, October 2 at Alexandria Pike which is near the intersection of St. Michael Drive in Cold Spring around 6 p.m. As per police officials, the 16-year-old was in a car that was struck by a semi.

We did have the entrapment of a subject in a smaller vehicle and we had to use our extrication equipment to extricate the victim from the vehicle. It took us 5 to maybe 7 minutes to have that person extricated and on their way to the hospital,” reported Fire Chief Dan Schultz. Police are still investigating the crash site.

It’s unclear if speed was the cause, but people who work in the area say cars speed at Alexandria Pike all the time. Since the crash, the hashtag “#All4AvaGrace” has gathered nationwide support. It has made its rounds on Facebook and Twitter. It shows family, friends, teammates, and cheer squads from across the country wanting to show support. Many, posted pictures decked out in pink, Ava’s favorite color.

Ava’s coach described her as the glue of the team “(She’s a) a big part of the team. Friends with everyone on the team. She’s the friend that brings all the circles together,” Jacob Lawrence, Campbell County High School cheerleading coach, said. The family has made a GoFundMe help with medical expenses.