'Profound impact' | Ballard High School senior killed in motorcycle crash in east Louisville | Local News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Ballard High School senior died at the hospital after he was ejected from his motorcycle Wednesday afternoon in east Louisville.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 18-year-old Xander Rothrock.

"In the time Xander Rothrock was part of our Ballard community, he made a profound and positive impact on others in our building," Ballard High School Principal Dr. Jason Neuss said in a statement. "Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. We thank them for allowing us to share in his life."

Officers were called to Westport Road at Rollington Road just after 2:30 p.m. on a reported motorcycle crash, according to Louisville Metro Police spokesperson John Bradley. That's not far from La Grange Road, near the Jefferson/Oldham county line.

Investigators believe Rothrock "left the roadway for reasons unknown (at this time)" and was ejected from the bike.

Rothrock was taken to UofL Hospital in critical condition. In an update at 10:14 p.m. Wednesday, LMPD spokesperson Dwight Mitchell said he died from his injuries.

Mental health counselors are at Ballard on Thursday to help students cope with the loss. LMPD's Traffic Unit is handling the investigation.

"This situation might raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially among our students," Neuss said in a statement. "Our goal is to assist our school family in understanding what has happened and provide helpful suggestions for coping."

Through the Lesley and Rhyan Prather Foundation, donations are being collected to help with funeral expenses and to support the Xander Charles Rothrock Scholarship Fund. Here's the link.

His celebration of life is set for 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday from at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road in Louisville.

The full Ballard letter sent to families can be read below:

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