In an email sent to the school community Sunday night, Wessington Springs School Superintendent Dr. Michael Ormsmith shared news that Reba Carothers, the Wessington Springs Elementary School student injured after being struck by a vehicle on January 26, succumbed to her injuries.
In the email, he wrote: “We learned from the Carothers family that Reba has succumbed to her injuries and that they have begun the process of donating her organs. Our deepest condolences to the Carothers family for their loss.”
Accident details
According to a news release issued Tuesday, February 6 by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, preliminary information indicates Kindra Lea Wolter of Wessington Springs, the driver of a 2016 Ford Fusion, was traveling westbound on SD Hwy 34 about 10 miles west of Wessington Springs, SD in heavy fog on Friday, January 26. An eastbound school bus was stopped in the opposite lane to pick up a student. As Wolter approached, the flashing lights on the bus became more visible and she hit the brakes, sliding on the icy road. At the same time, a 12-year-old student was crossing the street to board the bus and was struck by the Ford Fusion.
School support provided
Recognizing that the news is difficult for students and staff to process, Dr. Ormsmith shared that the school district had several supports available on Monday.
“At the elementary school, we met with the 2nd – 6th grade classes on an individual basis. There are students in each of those classes that are directly involved, and we have been paying close attention to those students all last week,” he wrote. “This includes students who are relatives, friends, or were on the school bus at the time of the accident. Crisis counselors and clergy were available in the rec center gym for students and staff as needed throughout the day.”
Dr. Ormsmith also outlined plans for students at the middle school / high school which included support for students and staff with counselors present.
He addressed parents, asking them to reach out to the school if they feel their child is having difficulties dealing with this loss and may benefit from additional support.
Dr. Ormsmith continued, “As the school community continues to cope with the loss of Reba, we invite your participation in the healing process. Please feel free to contact the school at any time with questions or concerns.”
The Wessington Springs Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) continued with the planned benefit fundraiser set to be held Tuesday, February 6. Funds raised will be directed to the Carothers family.
A visitation for Carothers will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1 - 3 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Wessington Springs. The double header basketball game on Saturday has been rescheduled to Friday, February 9 at 4 p.m. to allow students to attend the visitation.
