Friends, family mourn death of 15-year-old

AVERY — It was a sad weekend for family and friends of Alli Jo Kurdinat, 15, of Norwalk, who died Friday in an automobile accident. "We are saddened to share the news of the passing of student Alli Kurdinat, a sophomore in EHOVE's Career Exploration program from Norwalk High School," EHOVE released in a statement. "We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. As a school, we are doing everything we can to support our students. We know this event will have a profound effect on everyone who knew Alli. "EHOVE's crisis team is mobilized. EHOVE's school counselors are focused on assisting students and staff. We appreciate everyone's support for the students of EHOVE and Norwalk City School District as we come together as a community during this tragic situation." Alli enjoyed playing video games, reading, singing, painting and drawing. She had a passion for cooking and planned to begin the culinary arts program at EHOVE Career Center next school year. She is survived by her parents, Heather (Karl) Armstrong and Jack (Veronica Stanley) Kurdinat; siblings, Hannah Hales and Alizabeth Stanley; and four-legged companion, Rusty. Alli worked at Vargo's Drive-In in Norwalk. "We are extremely sadden at the loss of one of our employees yesterday," Vargo's posted on its Facebook page. "She lost her life in an auto accident. She was only 15. Please bare with us as we are mourning and trying to deal with this. We are taking donations to help her mom through this difficult time. Please keep her mom and family in your prayers. God Bless!!" Hannah Hales has started a gofundme page for a funeral and memorial. "As most of you know, my sister Alli Jo has passed away in a very tragic car accident this past Friday," Hales wrote. "She was a young beautiful girl with so much life ahead of her. My mom, Alli's father and I are mourning her loss. We would greatly appreciate any and all donations to provide for our family during this time and to help with her final arrangements. Thank you for anyone that has reached out and given blessings to our family." As of early Monday afternoon the fund had reached $11,714 with 227 donors. The crash occurred at about 3:45 p.m. Friday on Mason Road between Ohio 13 and Old Mason Road, according to a release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. A GMC Sierra was driving east on Mason Road while a Hyundai Santa Fe traveled west on Mason Road. The GMC failed to negotiate a curve, went into the oncoming lane, struck the Hyundai and overturned, according to the release. The driver of the GMC, 49-year-old Nicholas M. Barylski, of Huron, was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of Hyundai, 36-year-old Veronica J. Stanley, of Norwalk, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Cleveland's MetroHealth Medical Center by medical helicopter. Kurdinat was a passenger in the Hyundai. Condolences may be expressed by visiting walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.