Teen Football Star Killed in Crash

A community is mourning the loss of a star high school football player in Howard County.

Steven Dankos, 17, was killed in a drunk-driving accident early Sunday morning.

At the site where Dankos lost his life early Sunday morning, his friends built a small memorial with his football jersey, flowers, and dozens of personal notes.

"It's horrible it really is," said friend Kyle Murrow.

"He's was the best person you'd ever meet-- he was so happy all the time, and he always brightened everybody's day," said friend Nora Ezzat.

"Steve was always such a nice guy-- such an amazing, genuine person. He always had a smile on his face," says friend Stephanie Muller.

The 17 year old was a popular kid and a talented linebacker for River Hill High School. He was killed when the truck he was riding in, driven by 22-year-old David Dixon Erdman, struck a stone pillar on Folly Quarter Road in Howard County and flipped over.

Police say the driver was drunk and has since been charged with homicide. Another passenger was also injured.

Dankos' classmates say this teaches them all about the dangers of drinking and driving.

At River Hill High School on Monday, the principal had a crisis team of counselors on hand to speak to the shaken students. It's a tough loss for these young kids who are having a difficult time dealing with such a tragic loss.

"Friday night he's playing football, and then Sunday morning we find out he's dead. It's really hard," says Ezzat.

"No one this amazing deserves something like this," says Muller.

A funeral is scheduled for this Thursday in Hyattsville.

STATEMENT FROM DANKOS FAMILY

The family of Steven Dankos would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of love and support shown to them in this time of great tragedy.
As the family grieves the loss of their beloved son, it is their hope that the tragic circumstances leading to his death can in some way help to prevent another family or community from ever having to experience the heartbreak of losing a child.
 

The following message was sent to River Hill High School parents via email from Principal Bill Ryan around noon Monday.

November 30, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I have some sad news to share with you regarding a tragic automobile accident that occurred in our community early yesterday morning.

Steven Dankos, a senior at River Hill, died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the accident. Thomas Erdman, also a senior, was taken to the hospital following the accident. He was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon and is recovering at home. Thomas brother David, a River Hill graduate, was the driver of the vehicle.

The crash is currently under investigation by Howard County Police.

As students arrived at school today, members of our River Hill Student Services Team and the Howard County Crisis Intervention Team were available to provide support for our students and staff during this difficult time. Whenever there is a death such as this, students, staff, and parents are struck by a wide range of emotions and a deep sense of loss. However, these emotions can be particularly difficult for young people to understand. Situations such as these may create a variety of reactions, including sleep disturbances, temporary loss of appetite, anxiety, or fears about personal health and safety or the health and safety of family members.

Young people may also use humor to deal with their feelings, and although this may seem unusual, it is a common coping mechanism. Some suggestions for dealing with concerns you may have about your child are discussed below.

You can also contact our counseling staff at 410-313-7400 if you have further questions or concerns about your childs reaction to this sad news. Listen to your childs story. Let your child know that you are available to answer any questions. You may not have all the answers to their questions, but they will benefit from your attention.

Provide simple, accurate information in response to questions. Encourage your child to express his or her feelings. Talk about your own feelings. Dont be afraid to cry in his or her presence and share your own loss experiences. It is okay to cry together and hold each other.

Talk to your child about your personal value system around death and loss. Discuss your familys personal and/or religious beliefs about death. Your child may be particularly anxious about the sudden realization that death ultimately happens to everyone and that death can come without warning. Support your child and be patient with his or her feelings in responding to this loss. Spend extra time tonight to be with your child discussing the days events and processing them.

The family of Steven Dankos has made arrangements for friends and others to pay their respects on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7501 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to River Hill