It's been a hard week for the local high school athletic community.
A recent Franklin Regional grad and football player, Joe Purdue died this week after an eight-month battle with brain cancer.
Moon Hockey player and student Luke Cooper died in a crash Wednesday night on I-79 in Franklin Park.
The 18-year-old from Crescent Township died after being thrown from the vehicle he was driving.
Police say Cooper's vehicle struck a guardrail. Cooper's passenger, 18-year-old Zachary Jozwiak of Moon, was taken to the hospital. It's unclear of his condition.
Cooper was also a member of the local Arctic Foxes Hockey Association.
In a statement, the Foxes said Cooper was in his first year with the organization.
"Anyone who had the pleasure of seeing him play could easily see the smile on his face and tell that he was a kid who loved hockey," the organization said in a statement.
Moon Hockey Alumni also released a statement, saying in part, "No words can describe this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to all friends and family of Luke."
Several local hockey have shown their support for Cooper's family, friends and community, asking hockey players to put their sticks out side, standing up. It's called #sticksoutforluke.
A GoFundMe is also up to help pay for funeral expensive. You can click the link here, if you'd like to help. You can read his obituary here.
