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Detroit Catholic Central remembers 2016 graduate killed in crash on way to Michigan State University

Posted at 7:13 PM, Sep 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-20 19:13:54-04

Right now students at Detroit Catholic Central are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Mitchel Kiefer, 18, graduated from the school last spring. On Monday this week, he was driving to Michigan State University for class when there was a horrific crash.

Someone rear-ended his car on I-96 in Ingham County's Leroy Township, forcing it across the median into oncoming traffic.  He died in the crash.

At Detroit Catholic Central High School Tuesday morning, the entire hockey team came to school early for mass. They needed God and each other as the mourned their loss. 

Mitchel was their goalie last year.

“We can’t take their pain away, but we support them, are with them, and are all one,” said Father John Huber, President of Detroit Catholic Central High School.

According to the Michigan State University website, Kiefer was studying neuroscience. 

Father Huber says he remembers Mitchel as a hard working young man. He came in to visit school staff over the summer, excited about a summer job and his future.

“He came in with his girlfriend with a big smile on his face, showed us what he was doing - very polite - big smile on his face. it was just nice to see him.” said Huber.

Huber says Detroit Catholic Central and Brother Rice High School are planning to pay tribute to Mitchel during this week’s football game. 

“We are going to miss him. We never planned on him leaving us this soon. Now we are planning on him intervening on our behalf in heaven,” said Huber.