Thursday night four of our students were seriously injured in a car accident near Spring Valley and transported to Valley View Hospital. We are deeply saddened to report that one of the students, Steph Zgorzynski, died as a result of her injuries. The three other students, Juan Chavez-Krysko and Calla Fisher and a minor we cannot name because of his age, are recovering.
Our most pressing concern has been with the injured students, and with notifying and comforting their families and our students at Spring Valley. We have met with students and made counseling available for them, as well as for our staff and faculty.
There will be a memorial service for Steph Zgorzynski. Details have not been announced.
We have continued our ongoing discussions with students, underscoring the incredible dangers that come from the use of alcohol and other substances. Alcohol and drug abuse constitute a terrible epidemic among young people today, and this is why we continue to sponsor alcohol awareness events throughout the college. We have a tremendous task ahead of us, but our committed and caring staff understands the importance of taking this on.
This is a terrible tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to these young people, and to their families and friends. We are all extremely saddened by this accident and by its impact on these young people.