Central student dies in crash

MARTINSBURG - Derek J. Cuomo was making plans for the rest of his life, his high school wrestling coach said Saturday.

Derek, a senior at Central High School, had an early enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, where he would go after graduation in June, Coach John Horton said.

"He was looking forward to the next part of his life," Horton said.

Derek, 17, of Henrietta, rural Martinsburg, died early Saturday in a one-vehicle crash on Henrietta Road in North Woodbury Township. He was first taken to Nason Hospital but later transferred to Altoona Regional Trauma Center. (See obituary, Page A13.)

Derek lost control of his car for an unknown reason and crashed about 12:30 a.m., Northwoodbury Township Police Sgt. Jeffrey Ketner said. The car then caught fire. Police continued their investigation late Saturday.

"We were all shocked," Horton said.

Derek, who wrestled this season at 125 pounds, was on the for Horton for two years. He also was a member of Central's track and field and golf teams.

"He was a very likeable, personable kid. He was a hard worker in practice - kind of a jokester - and made friends with everybody," Horton said.

Grief counselors will be available Monday for students, teachers and staff at Central High School, Spring Cove School District Superintendent Rodney L. Green said.

"The Spring Cove community is very tight-knit and family-oriented," Green said. "We'll do everything we can to help."

Derek's death is the second for Central's Class of 2010. Gabrielle "Gabby" Frick, 17, a cheerleader, died Nov. 13 at a Pittsburgh hospital after an unexpected heart failure.

"For the senior class to have two classmates die, it is a very, very difficult situation," Green said. "I think any time a young person dies, it's very devastating."

Derek is survived by his parents, Shawn and Sonya; two sisters: Kathryn and Selina and other family members.

Friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church, 300 S. Mulberry St., Martinsburg, where a funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jerry McCuller officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.