Police now believe Tyler Zook, a 17-year-old Conestoga Valley High School football player, took his own life in the middle of the night after leaving the scene of a crash that killed his teammate last weekend. Authorities say the teammate, 16-year-old Tyreese ‘Ty’ Smith, died of mechanical asphyxia in the crash. An 18-year-old girl, Amalie Wendt, was also injured. It’s unclear who was driving the car that belonged to Wendt’s father, and Zook’s mom said Zook didn’t even have a learner’s permit. However, police say he fled the scene and took his life less than two hours later at a home less than a mile away. Zook was an offensive lineman and defensive lineman in the team’s Class of 2023, the Lancaster Daily Voice reported. Local Superintendent Dave Zuilkoski wrote in a statement that mental health counselors were available at the school for those who knew the teens. GoFundMe fundraisers for funeral costs for both Zook and Smith have amassed more than $36,000 combined.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
