SPRINGFIELD — Walter Pettit went to Northeastern High School's guidance counselor's office last week with a goal in mind: Graduation.

Although the 18-year-old senior was on track to graduate in May, he frequently checked his credits.

"He was a good, quiet, unassuming student," said Mark Klopfenstein, principal, Northeastern High School.

Pettit of South Vienna, died Thursday night, March 27, in a single-vehicle accident on state Route 54.

He was northbound, near Old Columbus Road when he lost control of the car, went off the right side of the road and struck a tree, said Trooper Toby Sebastian, Ohio Highway Patrol.

Officials said the wet road conditions may have contributed to the crash.

"It's just a tragedy," said Klopfenstein.

Pettit was part of a work-study program at Northeastern, accumulating academic credit from his job at Eby-Brown, 1982 Commerce Road.

"He was one of those students who came to Northeastern and did what he was supposed to," Klopfenstein said.

Counselors will be on hand at the high school when students return from spring break Tuesday, he said.

"Anytime we lose a student, it's tragic," said Klopfenstein. "Every life is precious and important."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.