WHEELERSBURG — The sudden death of someone in a small community, can be felt by many. That loss can have people asking why, while trying to wrap their heads around the reality of the loss.
Over the weekend the Wheelersburg Pirate Community suffered the loss of Ethan Pauley, 18.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Pauley was being towed on a sled being pulled by an ATV southbound on Gallia Pike in Wheelersburg, when it approached the intersection. Pauley was struck by a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Ashton Miller, 23, of Wheelersburg. Miller failed to yield at the traffic light and struck the sled.
Since the incident occurred the Wheelersburg Local School District responded, making available counselors and area pastors for students to talk to and grieve with.
“Our hearts are broken, it’s a tragic accident for our Pirate family. We’re all just trying to work our way through it,” said Mark Knapp, Superintendent of Wheelersburg Local School District.
The counselors were first made available Sunday afternoon and will continue to be available as long as necessary.
“This is part of the grieving process and the first part in the healing process,” Knapp said.
He said the students talking with the counselors are welcomed to spend as much time with them as they like throughout the day.
Knapp wanted to express gratitude to not only the Pirate community, but the surrounding communities and schools, for providing support to the district and its students in this time of loss.
According to the Wheelersburg Local School District website, arrangements for Pauley are under the direction of the Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, at the Wheelersburg High School Gymnasium. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Wheelersburg United Methodist Church.
The Wheelersburg Local School District has cancelled school in all of its buildings on Friday, Jan. 29.
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