WEST OLIVE, Mich. — Police in Ottawa County are investigating a crash that left two people dead early Friday morning.
It happened at the intersection of 120th Ave. and Stanton St. in West Olive. Dispatchers say a car with two occupants crashed into a tree. The male and female victims did not survive.
Police have since identified the victims as 17-year-old Nichole Rector, a senior a Hamilton High School, and 22-year-old Jordan Gillespie. Hamilton's superintendent, Dave Tebo tells us Rector didn't graduate in May with the rest of her class, but was due to finish taking her final exams and complete her graduation requirements Friday.
David Tebo, Hamilton Schools Superintendent said of Rector, "She left a mark on a lot of people, and I told [her] mom all of those kids will carry a piece of her with them."
"She left a legacy, and I hope that her family takes solace in that," he continued.
Calvary on 8th Church in Holland has a post on its Facebook page which reads in part:
"We are a community in shock and mourning. Last night we lost one of our own - Jordan Gillespie."
Dan Carter, senior pastor of Calvary on 8th wrote on Facebook, "I am so saddened. We all are thankful for your prayers. Prayer open house Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm."
According to police, speed was a factor in the tragic crash. The crash remains under investigation. Police are still unsure if alcohol or drugs were factors.
