Novi Native Dies in Kansas Car Crash

A Novi native and graduate of Novi's Detroit Catholic Central High School died Sunday in a car accident in Kansas.

Peter Halash, who was 19, was driving a red 2000 Jeep Cherokee late Sunday night when it crashed in a fatal one-car wreck, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. Police said speed and hazardous road conditions may have played a role in the crash, according to the report.

Halash was a second-year forward for the Topeka RoadRunners, a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in Topeka, Kansas' capital city. RoadRunners coach Scott Langer told the Capital-Journal that he had a bright hockey career ahead of him, with a Division I scholarship a strong possibility.

"He was loved and respected among his teammates for his joyful approach to the game, work ethic, pregame locker room rituals and in-game mannerisms, to name a few. Sometimes seen as quiet and reserved, his teammates knew him as quick witted and energetic. He was a player who loved everything about the game, and his enthusiasm was infectious," reads a tribute to Halash on the Topeka RoadRunners website.

Did you know Halash? Share your memories of him or your condolences to his family and friends in a comment below.