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East Bay Quarterback Dies After Crash
Tribune photo by ROBERT BURKE (2007)
East Bay quarterback Rex Ballenger looks for an option pass during a 2007 football practice.
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Published: May 19, 2008
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TAMPA - East Bay High School quarterback Rex Ballenger died Monday at Tampa General Hospital after he was seriously injured in a car crash over the weekend, according to the school's athletic director.
"He is one of the most popular kids in his class," athletic director Scott Tipton said. "He was a three-year starter on the football team and will be dearly missed."
East Bay High School administrators announced Ballenger's death to students Monday after Ballenger was taken off life support, Tipton said. Crisis counselors were at the school Monday.
Ballenger, 18, was driving west on Big Bend Road in Gibsonton about 7:55 a.m. Saturday when his 1997 Saturn collided with a semi-trailer truck that was stopped at a traffic signal, according to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver of the semi, Joseph M. Ciavarella, 40, of Port Richey, was not hurt in the crash. Ballenger, of 521 Fairfax Lane, Apollo Beach, was not wearing a seatbelt, according to a report by Trooper S.M. Nickel.
The crash is still under investigation by the highway patrol.
Stay with TBO.com for updates.
Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.
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