Husky Strong; A Community Comes Together Ahead of VigilÂ
MIDVALE, UTAH – May 22, 2015 (Gepahardt Daily) – Yesterday, Hillcrest High was overwhelmed by raw sadness. Today, the words #huskystrong and the wearing of school colors brought feelings of strength, courage, and the determination to band together in the face of tragedy.
Popular students and dance partners 17-year-old Hunter Kelson and 16-year-old Cheyenne Bagley were both fatally injured and another student was sent to the hospital with minor injuries around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night, when the Plymouth Neon they were in pulled into the path of a northbound Jeep.
“Hunter was one of my friends, he was in one of my classes. Knowing he isn’t going to be there is the hardest part to process,” said Sydney Thorlackson, a student at Hillcrest High. She also said yesterday you could just feel the sadness throughout their school. “It was hard, hard to stay in class, literally no one was here and those that were, were full of tears, it was insane how quiet it was.”
#Huskystrong, the words used to share memories, support and unity spread quickly yesterday, around the school and to the surrounding community. “#Huskystrong means all of us sticking together through this hard time; and we are wearing school colors to show the school spirit. Everyone has green on, it looks amazing,” said Thorlackson.
Student Breyana Baugh said, “It’s amazing how one thing can bring a whole school and many more together. It’s been a rough week and we’ll all overcome it eventually. I love my school and everyone in and around it. Cheyenne and Hunter will always be in our hearts”
“#Huskystong is a way that a lot of people can come together, wearing our school colors, and a way to help show support to the families, it creates a better feeling” said Emma Hainey, a junior at Hillcrest.
Students, some who didn’t even know each other before, are now all banding together. “There is a vigil planned tonight at 8 p.m. at Cheyenne’s house. It is for both Cheyenne and Hunter and everyone who has been impacted,” said Hainey.
The school has been beset by tragedy recently; Hillcrest High vice principal Dr. Paul Kirby passed away on April 17, 2015 and another student, Caleb Stone, was nearly killed on March 13, 2015 when he was hit riding his skateboard on his way to school.
The students, still in shock and trying to find ways to handle their own grief, Â are receiving a lot of support from around the community. Students from all over the valley have promised to stand by them in a show of compassion and support.
The vigil for Kelson and Bagley will be held Friday at 8 p.m. at 9687 S. 835 East.
According to Cheyenne’s dad Devin Bagley, they have planned a memorial viewing Saturday, May 23, starting at 11 a.m., going until 1 p.m. Following the viewing there will be a memorial service. The viewing and service will be held at Lake Hills Memorial, 10055 S. State St, Sandy. They are asking to have everyone who has ever been touched by Cheyenne’s love, laughter, and beauty to come share this moment with them.
There has been a fund set up on GoFundMe for Bagley’s family to cover funeral expenses as well as one for Kelson’s family.
The school has been beset by tragedy recently; Hillcrest High vice principal Dr. Paul Kirby passed away on April 17, 2015 and another student, Caleb Stone, was nearly killed on March 13, 2015 when he was hit riding his skateboard on his way to school.
