Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls teen is dead and two more are injured following an early morning crash on Western Avenue near the Midco Aquatic Center.
Officials with the Sioux Falls School District have activated their crisis management team. The District's DeeAnn Konrad says that grief counselors will be available at all schools directly impacted by the tragedy beginning on Thursday.
Konrad says that any student or staff member who needs help processing the loss of a friend will get it. "The grieving process is different for [all] of us. Some people grieve silently, and just need a place to sit and collect their thoughts. Some go through the emotional feelings, some have feelings of anger."
Konrad said if officials discover the situation goes beyond one school, they will spread the resources to the others "Our city is large, but not that large. People know each other, so if there's any indication that the councilors are needed at another location we will get to those schools as well.
The school's grief counselors are trained to help students no matter how close to the situation they were or what stage of grieving they are at. "The emotional stage, the anger stage, the silent stage, wherever. They are trained in that regard, and we're glad to have that assistance available to students. But it's a program we never wish we have to use,” said Konrad.