GOLDEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 17-year-old who was set to start his senior year of high school this week died in an off-road vehicle crash in Oceana County on Sunday morning.
Luke Kooistra was riding with five other people in a side by side after midnight on August 23 when the off-road vehicle rolled over while on private property, said the Oceana County Sheriff's Office.
The 17-year-old was the only person injured in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
Kooistra was a student at Forest Hills Eastern, with his senior year scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
On Monday, the district sent a letter to all families in the district, calling Kooistra "a pround FHE Hawk."
"Luke was known for hid kindness, warmth, and his gift for making those around him feel welcome," wrote Superintendent Ben Kirby. "He was a leader in the FHE community, and his loss is felt deeply by classmates, teachers, and coaches."
"This is a devastating loss for our school community, and I know this is very hard news to take in," wrote Forest Hills Eastern Principal Dan McElheny. "At this moment, let us wrap the Kooistra family in our love and prayers."
Kooistra was a member of the school's lacrosse team. The athletics department honored his memory in a social media post on Monday.
Eastern High School leaders announced changes to Tuesday's orientation schedule, with the planned class meetings for Juniors and Seniors canceled, while counselors and social workers will be available for students to talk with. The school will also open Hawk Stadium as a space for students to support one another in their own space.
The district is also making counselors available at Eastern High School throughout the day on Monday in the building's media center.
The driver of the side by side, an 18-year-old also from Ada, was arrested on a charge of operating while intoxicated causing death.
