Update: In a sickening twist to this story, the Arizona Republic is now reporting that the driver that hit Matt’s car and killed Kelly was drunk. At 6:30 in the morning. He’s been charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. And, this isn’t his first DUI conviction. I hope they throw away the key so this murderer can’t destroy another family.
Here is information on funeral services and a memorial fund.
In yesterday’s post on the Gilbert Days events, I mentioned that I was volunteering with my daughter’s band — the Highland High School Marching Band — to help them march in the parade.
Very early this morning we were loading up the buses to head to the parade, and we got the awful news that two of the band members, brother and sister Matt and Kelly Tracy, were involved in a car accident on the way to school.
Shortly before the band was scheduled to march, the band director gathered everyone together and delivered the news that Matt was going to be OK, but that Kelly, a sophomore, was in very critical condition and not expected to live.
Needless to say, the kids were devastated and the decision was made to cancel the march and head back to school.
What happened next was probably the most emotional thing I’ve ever experienced.
After arriving back at Highland, the kids gathered in the band room and the Highland High principal made the tragic announcement that Kelly had passed away.
Believe me when I tell you that you never want to be in a room with 150 kids when they find out a friend has just died. The emotion was overwhelming. The school did a great job, and had a grief counselor present. But it was an agonizing, gut-wrenching experience for all involved.
I simply don’t have the vocabulary to describe the scene and the grief that came spilling out over the next hour or so. We are so thankful that Matt will be OK. He was released from the hospital in time to join his Mom at the hospital Kelly was transported to. I don’t have all the details, but it’s believed that Kelly never regained consciousness before she passed.
As heartbreaking as it was to be there when the news was delivered, I am glad Francy and I were able to be there for our daughter and her friends. And of course our grief is nothing compared to what Matt and the Tracy family are going through. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and all that Kelly touched in her short life.
Rest in peace Kelly.
Update:
The mainstream media is starting to get the story.
Arizona Republic -Gilbert band member killed in crash on way to parade
East Valley Tribune - Gilbert student killed in crash on way to parade
ABC15 - Teen killed in crash on way to march in Gilbert parade
NBC12 - Gilbert band member killed in crash on way to parade
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Jay… my heart goes out to all of the kids and especially to your daughter and your family. I’m glad you were there too. I know that you were a calming force.
I am so sorry. I’m crying with you. Two summers ago, my kids went through their first loss of a teen friend. I remember mine vividly. It just doesn’t leave you.
My newly licensed driver drove by and grinned at me right before your comment on Twitter. I can’t even imagine. God bless your whole community, especially her brother, Matt.
Oh my. Big virtual hugs to your family and the children and their families that were touched by this. All are in our prayers.
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Jay, our hearts go out to you and your family and the Tracy family. To have to endure such a loss is unfathomable to us, but please know that we will say a prayer for all of you tonight. God bless you all.
Hugs and prayers to the kids and families at the school, your daughter and family.
My prayers are with you, your daughter and the family of the children involved.
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Wow, Jay, I had no idea. My daughter (as you know) goes to the same school as your kids.
Heartbreaking.
This is Stephanie’s daughter, Emily. That is the second person in the past two months that had died at my school. It is very sad.
Very sad, and a life altering experience for the classmates. Sending my virtual love and condolences…
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My heart breaks for this family and community. Having raised 5 kids - I know all too well how hard it is when one of their friends passes… I am glad you were there for your daughter and the rest of these students - you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for taking your time to let us know of this tragedy. From one parent to another, I’m thankful that you were there for your daughter and her friends when the news was given. It’s when tragedy strikes that our hearts break, but we are drawn to those around us. I’m glad that you were there & I’m sure they were too.
Our thoughts and prayers to the students, faculty and families of Highland High.
Jay - have been mobile until a moment ago and only just read your account of what happened earlier today. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the girl & boy, as well as all of their extended family (the band members, schoolmates and parents). A tragedy that likely didn’t need to happen.
It is just such a tragedy. Our thoughts are with you and all of the families that are dealing with this today.
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i am a trumpet player in this marching band. when we found out what happened, we were all devastated. our hearts and prayers to their family. thank you for everyones support.
My condolocenes to the family and the school.
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What a nightmare day that has turned out for you! I am so sorry to hear of this awful tragedy. I personally think that the law is too soft on drunk drivers; we should be much harder on them.
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My son is in the Highland Orchestra. He was at the parade to support his friends in the band. He called me from the parade upon hearing the news. I can’t even begin to tell you the emotion and sadness he felt over this. These are all good kids in a safe community. There is just no justification for any of this.
Please God, ..
1. Give comfort to the family of the victims…
2. Thank you Jay for reporting this.
3. May the drunk driver go to jail forever and burn in hell when his time comes.. I know what’s it’s like, a drunk driver victimized me in 2005. Although I was lucky, I lost almost $9,000 just in car damages alone. The BUM? He got off scott free due to a police technicality. Wasn’t his first arrest, and after he victimized me, he got arrested again. BUM!
Sickening Sickening Sickening…
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Thank you for writing this too. I already miss my friend Kelly and cant believe she won’t be at school today. Or ever. She was a great person. I am dreading going to school today it is really going to suck.
Highland student -
I am so sorry about Kelly. You’re right, school is going to suck today. Bad. I wish there was something I could do or say to ease your pain, but there isn’t. You don’t have to be strong and tough. Hug your friends, cry, and try to remember the good times you had with Kelly.
There are a lot of people out there thinking of you today. Our hearts are out to all the Highland students.
Take care.
Reading this made the tears just start flowing; I am so sad for your daughter, friends, and Kelly’s family. I hope the drunk responsible is fully punished. Oh heartbreaking.