The community is mourning the four young lives lost in Tuesday’s fatal crash in Riddlesburg, Bedford County.

 

One victim was a senior in the Everett Area School District, where officials are working to help students cope with the loss.

 

State Police said 19-year old Dacota Powell, 19-year old year Michael Rininger and 22-year old Glen Johnson, along with a 17-year old girl, who was the high school senior,  were traveling south on Route 26, when the driver lost control of the car. The car then hit an embankment and overturned several times until it was stopped by a guardrail. Two people were ejected and State Police said it’s likely they weren’t wearing seatbelts. They believe speed was a factor in the crash.

 

State Trooper Jeff Petucci is reminding young drivers to stay alert on the roads.

 

“To young drivers out there, one, go the speed limit… number two, make sure that you are paying attention to driving your vehicle and not anything else… and number three, wear your seat belt. 

 

Two others were graduates of the Everett Area School District. The district is doing what they can to support students and families that are affected by the tragedy. 

 

“Keep things as normal as we can for our children and to continue moving forward with the education program,” Superintendent Dr. Gary Webb, said. “At the same time, we need to prove as much support as needed for the student that need it but also the families that need it.”

  

The high school has counselors and ministry professionals on hand. 

 

“You know, in some cases knowing how to handle the students at home is really helpful. So, I commend the parents that did do that and for our students here I think them having a professional to go to to speak there feelings,” Dr. Webb said. “To have someone to go to unwrap those emotions. It’s pretty critical.”

 

State Police are reconstructing the crash, but have no additional details at this time.