Restaurant starts fund for late woman

VERMILION — A local restaurant that employed an area woman who died in a car crash on Friday set up a fund to support her family. Salvatore's Ristorante Italiano, 4560 Liberty Ave. (U.S. 6) in Vermilion, organized an online fundraising campaign in honor of the late Paige Williams. Williams, 17, worked at the restaurant. "Paige was absolutely loved by each of our staff members, current and past," according to a statement from the fundraiser. "She was a rising star here at Salvatore's and in her EHOVE cosmetology program. As part of the Vermilion High School Class of 2026, Paige's life was cut far too short and will be severely missed." Williams and EHOVE Career Center alumnus Lucille Hopkins died when the vehicle they were traveling in went into the water at a marina near the intersection of West Erie Avenue and Oak Point Road in Lorain at about 4:15 a.m. Another person in the vehicle found at the scene, a man who was injured, told officers he was a backseat passenger in a car that hit the pole and that the car then went into Beaver Creek Marina. The man, who has not been identified, said he was able to exit through a window. EHOVE officials said crisis counselors will be available to speak to any students or staff members. Salvatore's promised every cent donated "will go directly to her family to help cover the costs of funeral expenses and allow them the space and time to grieve their profound loss." The fundraiser can be found by visiting gofundme.com and searching for "Remembering Paige Williams together." People can also access the fundraiser directly by visiting gofund.me/273c18cfb. On Sunday, Riddle Funeral Home publicized Williams' funeral information. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until the time of a brief prayer service, at 7 p.m., on Tuesday at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South St., Vermilion. Memorial contributions may be made to Riddle Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Any additional funds raised will be placed into a college fund for Williams' niece, Cecelia.