Click to view all six women: Michelle Saunders of Huron, Sara Jean McCarthy of Brook Park, Jessica Hedlund of Perrysburg, Ryan Leigh Foss of Huron, Jacqueline Ahlers of Vandalia and Andrea Bakker of Strongsville. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        The father of one of six Bowling Green State University students killed in a car crash after spring break stayed up until 2:30 Saturday morning, but he was not worried when his daughter did not return to their Brook Park, Ohio, home.

        Later that morning, police told Dave McCarthy the news.

        His daughter, Sara Jean, and her friends were killed when their minivan crossed the median and collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 71 in Verona.

        Mr. McCarthy, a Middleburg Heights fire lieutenant, said he has responded to many accidents on the job.

        “I never thought it would happen to me,” he said.

        Police said Jessica Hedlund of Perrysburg was driving the minivan about 9 p.m. Friday when she lost control in rain and high winds.

        Also killed were Andrea Bakker of Strongsville; Jacqueline Ahlers of Vandalia; and Michelle Saunders and Ryan Leigh Foss, both of Huron.

        The six women, all 19 years old, were pronounced dead at the scene, said Boone County Coroner Doug Stith.

        Five of the six lived together in a dormitory suite, said Beth Bakker, Andrea's mother.

        “They shared everything,” Ms. Bakker said. “They watched over each other.”

        The women were returning from Panama City, Fla., said Andrea Bakker's aunt, Connie McGinnis. “(Andrea) called her mom and let her know how much fun they were having,” she said.

        Ms. Hedlund's mother, Barbara, said her daughter called home Wednesday and left a message wishing her parents a happy wedding anniversary.

        A sixth roommate, Susan Baughman, 19, of Strongsville, skipped the trip to go to her sister's wedding shower. All were sophomores except for Ms. Saunders, who was a freshman.

        Bowling Green President Sidney Ribeau said in a statement the university would try to help students and families deal with the loss.

        “Our hearts go out with sympathy and solace to the families and friends of these young women whose lives have ended so tragically at such a promising and hope-filled time of their lives,” Mr. Ribeau said.

        The tractor-trailer driver was treated and released, authorities said.

        Boone County Sheriff's Maj. Jack Banks said severe winds and heavy rain were reported in the area and may have contributed to the accident. Neither alcohol nor excessive speed is suspected, and no one will be charged in the accident, Maj. Banks said.

        The driver of the tractor-trailer, James D. Walls, 36, of Dubois, Ind., was treated and released for leg injuries at St. Luke West Hospital, Maj. Banks said. Mr. Walls worked for Eck Trucking of Otwell, Ind., and was carrying a cargo of books.

        Sara Jean McCarthy had her sights set on becoming an English teacher. Jessica Hedlund planned to earn a master's degree in nursing. Andrea Bakker was a sophomore purchasing major who was interested in fashion design.

        “They were snuffed out like a candle in the prime of their lives,” said Bakker's father, Jim.

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