Strongsville teen killed in crash wanted to become a therapist ‘to help others’

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WOIO) - The 17-year-old boy killed in single-car crash late Sunday has been identified as Dominick Galarza, of Strongsville.

Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers said the crash happened just after 11 p.m. on West River Road south of Sprague Road in Columbia Township.

According to troopers, the teenager traveled left of center while taking a curve.

That sent his 2011 Ford Fusion off the right side of the roadway, according to the highway patrol, before the vehicle struck a guardrail and went down an embankment.

OSHP said Columbia Township firefighters extricated the victim, and transported him to Southwest General Health Center, where he died.

The teen was wearing his seatbelt when the crash took place, according to the highway patrol.

The crash remains under investigation.

According to a GoFundMe account set up for the family, Dominick loved dogs, watching UFC, dancing to Spanish music and tinkering with his car.

He was "an avid learner that had aspirations of becoming a therapist to help others. His smile would light up the room and he gave the best hugs," was also posted on the GoFundMe page.

The crash remains under investigation.