Clint Burns (source: South Central High School)ELIZABETH, IN (WAVE)- They were not far from their school when their lives were changed. Four students from the same school were involved in a crash Thursday. One died and three others were injured. Their friends are still reeling from that loss.
We're told the young man that was injured was released from Kosair hospital. Two other victims are still hospitalized and facing multiple surgeries. The principal at South Central Junior/Senior High School tells WAVE 3 the entire school, students, faculty and staff are still stunned over their loss.
"He's mister outgoing. Smiling all the time," said South Central Junior/Senior High School principal, Keith Marshall. "Into just about anything you could imagine. Loved his motorcycles. Loved living free and wild."
Through their grief Friday, students and staff at South Central Junior/Senior High School remembered 11th grader Clint Burns.
"He was an eclectic child to say the least," said Marshall. "He was a good kid."
Thursday afternoon, 4 close friends--3 boys and a girl--were traveling on Highway 11 not far from school. For some reason, the Honda Accord they were in crossed the center line, lost control and slammed into a tree near Obannon Rd. Burns died at the scene.
"We had 20 plus kids down there at the scene yesterday," said Marshall. "You feel for them because that's something you should never have to experience. Trying to help them cope with that today has been really tough."
Three others went to various hospitals. Friday, a makeshift memorial set up where the crash happened.
"The last thing I've heard is they may have been upgraded a little bit, but they still have some serious injuries. But, to what extent, I'm not sure," said Marshall.
Friday, grief counselors and a crisis team were in place helping students.
"Being a small school, each kid has a go-to person here," said Marshall. "Whether it be a faculty member or administrator or counselor, whomever. My door's been open all day as well."
350 students, each one Marshall knows personally. Friday, all were coping with a tragic event.
"I'd just like to send our wishes and our prayers out to those families at this time and if we can help them in any way shape or form, we'll be glad to do so," said Marshall. "He will be greatly missed here at South Central."
Principal Marshall told WAVE 3 the school's basketball team voted to have their game tonight at New Washington High School. South Central's team will wear black ribbons and a moment of silence will be observed at the game.
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