Mounds View High School mourns 2 students killed in crash, prays for 3rd
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (KMSP) - Mounds View High School principal Jeffery Ridlehoover provided an update Friday on three junior-class students involved in a deadly crash Thursday morning near the school. Bridget Giere and Stephanie Carlson passed away and Sammy Redden remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The crash happened at 7:02 a.m. Thursday morning at Highway 96 and Highway 10. The location of the fatal crash is at the turn-off to a frontage road that leads directly to Mounds View High School. According to the Ramsey County sheriff's office, the students' car was turning left onto the frontage road at the time of the crash. The driver and lone occupant of the other vehicle were not injured.
It's unknown what color the traffic light was at the time of the crash. The light at this intersection is equipped with a flashing yellow arrow. The Ramsey County sheriff's office is investigating the crash.
Letter from principal
Dear Mounds View families,
I can now share with you more information about the three juniors involved in yesterday’s tragic car accident.
Bridget Giere will be remembered as a very positive student and a good friend to many. She was a three-year member of the Mustang tennis team who always conveyed a positive attitude. Bridget enjoyed working with friends and family at the State Fair’s Patio Grill, and she recently started working at Target. She loved to do photo shoots downtown with friends and go shopping with her sister. Her humor, kindness and smile will not be forgotten.
Stephanie Carlson will be remembered as a funny, smart and loving girl. Friends say she spread happiness effortlessly with an unforgettable laugh and a radiant heart. This was Stephanie’s first year attending Mounds View, after attending St. Agnes High School in St. Paul for two years. Stephanie was on the track team at St. Agnes and planned on joining the Mustang track team this spring. She was employed part time at Golden LivingCenter - Lake Ridge in Roseville.
Samantha (Sammy) Redden remains hospitalized. She is listed in stable condition and working towards recovery. Her family is thankful for the outpouring of support coming from the Mounds View community.
Many have asked about their history in our district. Bridget and Sammy attended Island Lake Elementary School, and all three students attended Chippewa Middle School.
Information about memorial services for Bridget and Stephanie is not yet available but we anticipate it will be shared in the local media.
Supporting each other
Last night’s gathering at Mounds View High School was a very special opportunity for students and families to come together during this difficult time. I’m extremely proud of the students who took the lead in putting the event together. At school today, we’re making special efforts to support students who need it. Counselors remain available for students and staff, and teachers are taking time to check in with students during our regular class schedule. As you can imagine, there is a great sense of sadness and loss, yet we’re also feeling hopeful for Sammy’s condition. Students are writing messages on posters, and today students have chosen to wear the color blue in honor of the girls’ favorite color.
For families who are looking for resources to support their students, the following may be helpful in understanding teen grief: www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/. Please feel free to contact your student’s dean if you’d like more information about grief support.
During these last 24+ hours, we’ve been overwhelmed by an outpouring of supportive messages and gestures from residents, other school districts, churches, our local media and so many others who are extending their condolences for our loss and their best wishes for Sammy’s recovery. I can’t overstate our school’s appreciation for everyone’s thoughtfulness and kindness during this time.
It’s difficult to see so many heartbroken people, yet it’s inspiring to witness all the acts of compassion we’re showing each other. This truly is a special school community.
Two high schools, one community
Dear Mounds View Public Schools community,
This morning, our Mounds View High School principal shared an update with his school community about yesterday’s tragic car accident. I thought our entire District community might appreciate reading his message here.
While we are a district with two high schools, in times like these, we feel like one community. Today at Irondale High School, students are wearing “Mustang Green” to show their support for their Mounds View peers. And this sign, delivered to Mounds View High School, was created by Irondale students.
Our thoughts are with our Mustang Family
During these days when it’s sometimes difficult to find words to express our many feelings, I think this sign says it best. “We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”
Sincerely,
Chris Lennox, Superintendent