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C-M grad killed in Altoona accident
Now they are mourning the death of the popular 2008 Canon-McMillan High School graduate.
Chauvet, of Canonsburg, was killed in a two-car crash about 6:35 p.m. Sunday not far from the Altoona campus of Penn State University in Blair County, where she was a sophomore education major.
Logan Township police Chief Ron Heller said Chauvet was a back-seat passenger in a Honda Civic driven by her friend, Kaitlyn Leavins, 18, of Glen Mills. Three other co-eds were also in the car.
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The Jaguar hit the side of the car where Chauvet had been seated. She was taken to Altoona Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Another back-seat passenger, Nicole Lawrence, 18, of Columbia, Md., was ejected from the car. Leavins, along with passengers Alyssa Walsh, 18, of Downingtown, and Holly Hamilton, 19, of Sinking Spring, also were injured. Lawrence is in critical condition, and the other three have since been released from the hospital. The driver of the Jaguar, Jason Sanders, 30, of Altoona, refused treatment.
Heller said Leavins and front-seat passenger Walsh wore seat belts. He said it has not been determined whether the other girls were buckled up.
Heller said the girls had just left Martin's General Store, a popular spot for PSU students to pick up groceries. They were heading back to an off-campus apartment complex where they lived.
The intersection where the accident occurred is rather straightforward, Heller said.
"We've only had 15 crashes there in the last 15 years," Heller said. "We are continuing the investigation and won't make any determination whether charges will be filed until that is complete."
Heller said it appears driver error may have been the cause.
"It is just an unfortunate accident," the chief added.
Marissa Lohm said she and Nicole had been friends since they were in sixth or seventh grade. The two graduated together in 2008.
"She helped me when I was going through some problems," Lohm said Monday. "She had a really big heart."
Chauvet, who was a Big Macs cheerleader, also was on Penn State's squad, Lohm said. She also was quite active, doing volunteer work.
"She was majoring in elementary education," Lohm said. "She loved kids."
Lohm said Chauvet always wanted to go to Penn State and planned to transfer to the main campus next year.
"There was no other school for her," Lohm said. "She loved Joe Paterno.
"She was obsessed with her horoscope. She'd read it every single day," her friend said. "And she was very superstitious."
Lohm said Chauvet was really enjoying school this year and meeting new friends.
"She was her parents' pride and joy," Lohm said of Nicole's parents, Lisa and Mike Chauvet. She also had an older brother, Ryan Chauvet.
Reid Whitlock also graduated with Chauvet. The two remained close.
"Nicole was very outgoing," said Whitlock, who is with the U.S. Air Force stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. "She could always put a smile on your face. She was a friend you could count on. You could call her at 3 a.m. for some advice.
"She was just a great person to be around," he added. "She was friends with everyone. That's just the way she was."
Nicole : 11/3/2009
Nicole was an amazing girl. I work with her dad and she was her parents pride and joy. Mike always talked about what she was doing at school. My heart breaks for Mike, Lisa and Ryan. They were such a close knit family and this is just a terrible thing to happen to such a loving family. Nicole and her family are in my prayers.
Nicole : 11/3/2009
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May she rest in peace.
Nicole : 11/3/2009
Everything said in this article is true of Nicole Chauvet. It comes to a shock to me, as well- i'm sure- as many other friends of the family. This couldnt have happened to a lesser deserving aspiring young woman. Mike, Lisa and Ryan shall be in many prayers for many months to come. My heart breaks for all of those who were effected by this trajedy. God bless the Chauvet family, and may they experience peace which surpasses all understanding. We love you and miss you, Nicole.
Nicole Chauvet : 11/3/2009
The Gordon Family would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Chauvet Family. We did not know Nicole personally, however, we heard wonderful thing's about her. Lisa as a mother, my heart is just break's for you! I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit upon this family during this tragic time. God Blee you all.
RIP : 11/3/2009
I have turned at that intersection so many times, and cars fly up the hill, it is such a dangerous spot. I can't believe this happened. RIP nicole.
Chauvet Family : 11/4/2009
You don't know me Mike, but your father was part of my family when I was growing up in McDonald. Years have passed quickly and we are out of touch, but want you to know how sorry I am for your recent loss. Losing a loved one is difficult, but losing a child is even more so. Say hi to Mark andShirley and let them know I was asking about them. God will give you strength in this difficult time.
Sympathy : 11/4/2009
Mike and family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Memories of Nicole and your love for her will live on forever.
Chauvet Family : 11/4/2009
The Malenich family would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Chauvet & related families for this loss.It is hard to lose a loved one and even harder when they are so young and have so much ahead of them.:(
from an unknown friend : 11/4/2009
Chavet family- I did not know Nicole but my son Tyler Schroeder was very dee ply effected by losing her. He is a freshman at PSU Altoona. He described her with such loving words. I am so sorry for your loss. You know God is there to give you strength
Nicole : 11/4/2009
Mike, Lisa, Ryan, Aunt Shirley, Uncle Mark and all of the Chauvet Family and friends, we would like to express our deepest sympathy and prayers in this time of loss. Words cannot express how sad we are for your loss. Cherish the memories and always know that Nicole was loved by all who knew her. Our family suffers a great loss today. Know that her beauty and kind heart will continue to radiate in all of us.
Deepest Sympathy : 11/5/2009
We are so sorry that you have lost your beautiful daughter. Our prayers are with you all.
Nicole : 11/5/2009
Mike, Lisa & Ryan...words cannot express my deepest sympathy. Nicole was so dear to me. She started as a cheerleader on my squad, then as my leader, and finally my friend. I will cherish all the memories over the years we have created. She will forever be in my heart. I will always be here for you. Her smile and contagious laughter will forever my in our hearts and minds. I love you all very much. Love, The Verrengia Family (Coach H.)
Rest in Peace Nicole : 11/7/2009
I've know Nicole since i was in kindergarden. We grew up in the same town. She was a sweet girl who loved life and couldn't help but always smile. She is an amazing person, and i still cannot believe this has happened to her and her family. I am greatly sorry for your lost. May Nicole rest in peace.
Nicole : 11/9/2009
Lisa, Mike & Ryan we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Debbie & Jimmy Jordan
Nicole : 11/14/2009
Mike, Lisa, Ryan my thoughts & prayers are with you and family. God bless
Nicole : 11/14/2009
Lisa, Mike & Ryan, you are in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless. Leslie Dasta-Dreier
