High School Cheerleader Killed in Tragic Crash Involving State Trooper

High school cheerleader, 18, has been killed in a horror crash after a state trooper slammed into her vehicle

Olivia Flores, 18, a high school cheerleader from Owatonna, Minnesota, was killed in a horrific car crash after a state trooper collided with her vehicle. The incident, which occurred near the Apache Mall in Rochester on Saturday at around 5:45 p.m., resulted in seven people being rushed to the hospital. Flores' family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support on Sunday, just weeks before her graduation from Owatonna High School.

The crash involved three cars and led to the closure of the stretch of highway for seven hours. Flores was in a Ford Focus with a 19-year-old and 21-year-old woman when the accident happened. State Trooper Shane Roper, who had a 20-year-old male passenger, was turning left across Highway 14 when he struck the Ford, according to KSTP.

Flores, 18, was among a group of seven people who were rushed to the hospital following a collision involving three cars on Saturday

A family friend, Michal Otte, expressed the family's grief on a GoFundMe page, stating, "Instead of planning Olivia's graduation party and celebrating her next chapter in life, Steph and Carlos are left picking up the pieces of this tragedy." Otte described Olivia as a "special young lady" who was "fierce and loyal," adding, "To know her and love her was a gift."

Carlos Flores, Olivia's father, told KIMT about his daughter's active involvement in her school community. "She was so excited to graduate from Owatonna High School on June 7th," he said. "She was the captain of the football cheer and basketball cheer teams and involved in young life. She is loved by so many."

Her family made the agonizing decision to turn off her life support and she died on Sunday, just weeks before she was due to graduate from Owatonna High School

Owatonna County School District Superintendent Jeff Elstad extended condolences to Olivia's family and friends, stating, "Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Olivia Flores, a senior at Owatonna High School." He added that additional counselors and staff would be available at the school to support students during this difficult time.

Col. Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Police commented on the incident, emphasizing the agency's commitment to road safety. "Making sure motorists are safe as they travel Minnesota's roads is at the core of what we do each day. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event."

Investigators are currently working to understand the full circumstances of the crash.

Shocking pictures show the crumpled remains of the Ford Focus following the horror crash