Plainfield High School senior killed in crash was 'bright, shining light'

AVON — A Plainfield High School senior who was a "friend and leader" is being remembered after she died days after a crash this week in Avon.

Ashley Moore, 18, was killed Wednesday in the crash that also involved an Avon school bus.

Moore's sister Jennifer, a sophomore at the high school, was injured in the crash, but is expected to make a full recovery, according to a letter sent from Plainfield schools.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," the letter read. "The death of a child is always a sad and troubling event and can often have a profound effect on the student's friends and classmates."

The school encouraged parents to talk with their children about how they feel and to watch their behaviors. Crisis counselors are available at the school.

Ashley Moore was a member of the Plainfield High School Red Pride Band. In a Facebook post, the band called her "a bright, shining light."

"She had big dreams, who was fire on the marimba and a friend and leader to her section," the post said. "She brought joy into the lives of her band family and was taken away too soon. Ashley will be greatly missed and never be forgotten."

An honor walk was held Friday afternoon for Moore at her hospital after doctors found organ donor matches, according to the Plainfield band.

Jason Robb, who works with Madison Scouts, a marching band program Ashley was a part of, said she was an "insanely bright spot" in the organization.

"Multiple days I was at rehearsal she would always approach me and share some new detail about the production that she loved completely unrelated to her own show. A color guard toss, brass moment, choreography detail," he wrote. "The world we live in can be so fragile, she left way sooner than she should have."

A Facebook post from the Town of Avon paid tribute to Moore and called her "a bright beacon of joy."

"Avon and Plainfield are two different towns, however we share a value of family, community, and pride," the post said. "We are grateful that the students on our bus were not injured, but our hearts break for the parents of Ashley. Too many times in life we can easily be distracted by the frustrations and insignificant issues thrown at us. Right now though, we put those aside."

The Avon Police Department issued an official release about the crash on Friday, saying the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

"Our preliminary investigation indicates that for reasons unknown at this time, Ms. Moore’s vehicle operated left of the center of the roadway and collided with an Avon Community School Bus that was traveling southbound on Dan Jones Road," Avon police said in an official release issued Friday. "For the next several weeks, our investigators will be working tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding this terrible tragedy,"

"In speaking with Ashley’s family earlier today, we learned much more about their incredible daughter," Avon police said in their release. "Ashley herself was just recently accepted to the Honors College program at Ball State University and she was very well known for her passion for playing marimba in the front ensemble with the Plainfield High School marching band and indoor percussion program. Ashley had recently joined the first ever coed Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp and she was set to perform with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp this upcoming summer. While speaking with her family earlier today, we learned that Ashley was an organ donor and through her passing, others will now have a second chance at life."

"While our thoughts and prayers are with the Moore family and those effected by this terrible accident, we want to recognize the collective efforts and communication/coordination from the Avon School Corporation, Avon Schools Police Department, Avon Schools Transportation Department, Town of Avon Communications Director Jared Wade, Avon/Washington Township Fire Department, Plainfield Fire Territory, Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield Community School Corporation, and the many individuals who have worked quickly and professionally over the course of the past 48 hours. On behalf of the men and women of our agency, we sincerely thank everybody for coming together when it matters most," the release said.

You can read the full release from Avon Police below.