MIDVALE, Utah -- Students and teachers at Hillcrest High School wore their school colors Friday in memory of two classmates who died in a car crash earlier this week, and the show of support also extended to several other local high schools as students donned Hillcrest green in memory of the victims.
Dealing with sudden, tragic loss is difficult for anyone in any age group, but the young adults and faculty at Hillcrest High School decided to make a statement, to console one another, and to remember their classmates who died Wednesday. While it won't erase the pain, many Hillcrest High School students showed their Husky pride and wore green Friday, the main color associated with the school.
"I just thought it was a good idea for everyone to unify because losing those fellow classmates was really hard, and I think it really unifies the school and pays respect to them,” student Brady Knudsen said.
Wednesday, a total of three Hillcrest students were in a car that was involved in this accident. Two of the teens, 17-year-old Hunter Kelson and 16-year-old Cheyenne Bagley, died at the scene. A 15-year-old female passenger survived with minor injuries.
Students and faculty were shocked and saddened by the news, but when word went out Thursday to wear green on Friday many of the students responded.
“Last night on the news I saw that they wanted the Hillcrest students to wear green to honor those who died, and I did know these two young people who died, and I miss them,” Hillcrest student Langakali Halacokoua said.
Social media played a big role in getting the word out about the accident and what folks are doing to comfort one another, mainly by the use of the hash tag: #huskystrong.
Friday afternoon at the school, there was a group photo taken of everyone who wanted to take part--a picture that will then be given to the victims’ families.
A vigil is planned for Friday at 8 p.m. outside of Cheyenne Bagley’s parent’s home in Sandy, 9687 South 835 East. Organizers said it will be an opportunity for friends and loved ones to console each other.
Students at other schools wore green in honor of the teens, including Jordan High School and Brighton High School. Several students at other schools also sent messages of support, including Juan Diego High School, Judge Memorial High School, Taylorsville High School, Summit Academy and others.
GoFundMe accounts have been established for each teen. Click here for the page for Cheyenne and here for the page for Hunter.
