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Galesburg High School Coping with Student Deaths

T.J. Carson
Principal Roy VanMeter said the mood was somber as students returned to classes Monday.

The Galesburg High School community is mourning the loss of two of its students after a car crash over the weekend.

Galesburg Police said Kalee Pringle, 17, and Kylie Allen, 15, were in a vehicle that crashed into a tree in an area near Valley View Road and West Lake Storey Road. The Galesburg Fire Department and paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 6:32 a.m. Saturday. The vehicle apparently failed to negotiate a curve to North Lake Storey Road. 

Principal Roy VanMeter said Pringle and Allen were two girls of high character.

“I’d take a building full of them. They’re wonderful young ladies and involved in lots of things, and setting a good example for their peers,” VanMeter said.

VanMeter said Pringle was involved in National Honor Society, while Allen participated in choir and the color guard.

Counselors have been available for students at Galesburg High School since the crash. School counselor Mindi Ritchie said some students are in a state of disbelief.

“Trying to wrap their minds around seeing these girls on Friday night at the game and interacting with them. And then waking up on Saturday and learning that the unthinkable has happened. It’s really hard for them to just wrap their minds around that,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie said she's also seen feelings of shock and anger. She said the counselors are available to show students they’re not alone as they process the loss of their classmates.

Counseling will be available for the rest of the week.  A student-led memorial is planned for Friday in the school’s auditorium.