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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Teen killed in auto accident

By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: May 10, 2007

Grief counselors were at Ypsilanti High School earlier this week to aid students reacting to the death of Jonathan Lewis White, 19, a popular senior at the school.

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White was killed Friday afternoon at about 3:15 p.m. Washtenaw County Sheriff's Cmdr. Dave Egeler said police believe White and a passenger, Christopher Jimerson, 14, were on their way home from school when White turned left from Munger Road onto Textile Road and into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer. White, who was driving his 2007 black Ford Edge, was killed instantly.

Jimerson was taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center with what were described as serious, but non-life-threatening injuries that included broken ribs and a torn spleen.

Egeler said the semi hit the Ford on the driver's door and pushed the car down the road more than 100 feet. The semi's driver, a Garden City man, was not injured. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be a factor.

As of press time, Egeler said he did not know if deputies had yet been able to interview Jimerson for more details of the accident.

White, the son of Isiah and Tracy White of Ypsilanti Township played offensive left tackle on the high school's varsity football team. This past year, because he was ineligible for the team because of his age, he had served as the team manager. He also served in backstage production for Ypsilanti High School theatrical events.

"Jonathon was an exceptional and talented young man who brought joy to the lives of so many," said James Hawkins, superintendent of Ypsilanti Public Schools. "He was well respected and liked by his teachers and peers and his death is an incredible loss for our district and community."

Beverly Tyler, a counselor at the high school, was White's godmother.

"That's my sweetheart," Tyler said when contacted.

"He was the sweetest kid you could ever meet - helpful and kindhearted. I have such fond memories of the things we did together when he would come over to visit my son. He would sleep over and we would go to movies and the theatre."

Tyler said White had participated in the HOPE Program, University of Michigan's Summer Science Academy and served as assistant secretary for the Teen Group of Jack and Jill of America. He was recognized in the leadership program of People to People in 2006.

A candlelight vigil for Jonathan White will be held at 8:15 p.m. Thursday begin at Shadford Field. A visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, on Friday with tributes from 7 to 9 p.m.

A celebration of Jonathan's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Community Church of God.

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