PLAINFIELD, WI (WTAQ) – Just a day after a vehicle killed a kindergartener and injured her 4-year old sister as they tried to get onto the school bus, the Tri-County school community is coming together to cope.
The district says counseling is available to students and staff members. Those services are specifically being extended to students and the driver who were on the bus. A local minister has also offered his services for support.
School officials also report an influx of people both inside and outside of the community offering financial support for the girl’s family. That includes the family of a boy who has terminal cancer – who chose to re-donate money that had been raised for his benefit to help support the crash victim’s family. That donation alone is over $2,700.
In a news release, the district says the “thoughtfulness and humanity being shown by many is both inspiring and humbling.”
An assembly speaker, who had been booked months ago, still took the stage in front of the 7-12 graders. Terrence Talley delivered his “Don’t Give Up” speech, which focused on resiliency and compassion. The district praised the speech’s “positive note.”
The family of the girl, including her older sister, mother, and younger sister who was involved in the crash – reportedly decided to visit with an elementary school counselor Tuesday morning.
The news release reads on to say “It, of course, is absolutely wonderful to see them.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Waushara County Sheriff Wally Zuehlke identified the 76-year-old driver involved in the crash. Zuehlke says the driver is not under arrest. Because he has not been arrested, we are not sharing his name.
The sheriff also says because the victim is a minor, the department will not be releasing her name.
