16-Year-Old Student Passes Away Following Crash

Tragedy struck Omaha on Monday, April 21, when a car crash claimed the life of a sophomore student. Authorities are working to determine what happened.

On the evening of April 21, police responded to reports of an accident involving two vehicles at 176th Avenue and Q Street, near Millard West High School.

The two vehicles were identified as a 2006 Ford F-350 and a 2017 Subaru Outback. First responders quickly transported the drivers to Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy for treatment.

The driver of the Ford was 32-year-old Christopher Luke. The driver of the Subaru was identified as 16-year-old Elise Cole, who was later pronounced dead. She was a 10th grader at Millard West High School.

According to the initial investigation, the Omaha Police Department determined that the Ford was heading west on Q Street when it collided with the Subaru, which was heading south on 176th Avenue. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Cole had been a member of her school's Show Choir. Her principal, Dr. Greg Tiemann, described her as a "kind" and "joyful person" who "gave so much of herself to others."

Her best friend, Miley Blue—another sophomore at Millard West High—also remembered her fondly. "No one ever disliked Ellie. She was just a happy, happy person," Blue said.

Millard Public Schools also released a statement. "This is an unimaginable loss for the Cole family, and our hearts are with them," her school district said.