Gavin Odell pictured with his family. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

Community members are stepping up for the family of an 18-year-old high school athlete who was killed in a tragic Western New York crash that also claimed the life of another teen. 

Gavin Odell, age 18, of Canisteo, died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash that happened around 2:24 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, on Tarantine Boulevard in the Allegany County village of Wellsville, as Daily Voice previously reported. 

New York State Police said a 2020 Buick Encore carrying six teenagers went off the north shoulder on a sharp curve and struck a utility pole on the driver’s side. Odell, who was sitting behind the driver, and Derrick J. Smith, age 17, also of Canisteo, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Four other teens — the 17-year-old driver, a 14-year-old front passenger, and two backseat passengers ages 15 and 16 — suffered minor injuries and were taken to Jones Memorial Hospital, police said. 

No signs of impairment were found, and the NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation continue to investigate.

In the days since the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign organized by Odell’s family describes the 2024 Canisteo-Greenwood High School graduate as a much-loved son, brother, and teammate who was a varsity basketball and football player and “was taken way too soon and unexpectedly.”

The fundraiser, started by Odell’s family member Roberta Congdon, says his mother, Anna Odell, is facing unexpected funeral and burial costs while mourning the loss of her oldest child. Gavin is survived by his mother, two brothers — Luke and Jaymes — two sisters, Emma and Kenna’faye, and his grandparents, Elmer and Kathleen Smith.

"Having graduated this past year, he was just on the cusp of starting his adult life," Congdon wrote on the fundraiser page, adding, "Gavin’s family, having to deal with funeral and burial costs at this unfortunate moment, would appreciate any amount that you can donate to help cover expenses."

As of Monday morning, Nov. 10, the fundraiser had raised $6,053 of its $10,000 goal. 

Those interested in donating can click here to do so. 

Odell's sudden death prompted those who knew him to post about their shock and grief on social media: 

"Don’t even feel real. Love you, bro," wrote one of Odell's friends on the morning after the crash.

Another wrote, "My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Odell and Smith families during this tragic truly heart wrenching time! May you find peace and healing from the lord! Rest in peace Gavin and Derek!"