It is a situation too familiar to Slippery Rock Area High School.
Two students were killed, and a third student and a graduate were injured, in a car accident Wednesday evening.
"Unfortunately, the district has been through this before," said Superintendent Kathy Nogay, who learned of the tragedy about 6:15 a.m. Thursday. "We have a crisis plan. We have a crisis team. We immediately implemented our procedures."
Counselors were on hand for students at the high school.
"A lot of kids were getting the assistance they needed from counselors. We're just coping. I'm worried about staff because they've been through it," she said.
The accident on Route 488 in Muddy Creek, near Portersville, took the lives of Aaron Jonathon "A.J." Rensel, 18, of Portersville; and Corey Jones, 18, of Slippery Rock. Both were seniors.
Injured were Kirk Hines, 20, a Slippery Rock Area High School graduate, and Justin Angerett, 18, a high school senior. Last night, Mr. Hines was listed in critical condition; Mr. Angerett was listed in serious condition.
State police said the car was going at a high speed when it struck a utility pole around 9:50 p.m. Wednesday. All four were thrown from the car. State police could not yet say who was driving.
Dr. Nogay declined to comment on each student's school activities. "I think it's important to remember they're our students and no matter what we honor that," she said.
The school has a memorial garden planted after other student deaths. "It's a beautiful place. Very tranquil. My anticipation would be we would certainly add to that."
Seven of the district's high school students died as a result of car accidents during the 2001-02 school year.
All students at the high school take classroom instruction in driving training, and an optional behind-the-wheel program was added after the series of deaths, Dr. Nogay said.
The arrangements for Mr. Rensel are being handled by the Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home in Prospect. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Prospect Fire Hall.
His obituary on the funeral home Web site states that Mr. Rensel played youth football for the Prospect chiefs and was a two-year varsity letterman for the high school football team.
He volunteered at the Portersville Food Pantry, was a cook at Oakview Golf Club in Slippery Rock and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Arrangements for Mr. Jones are being handled by the Smith Funeral Home in Slippery Rock but were incomplete.
First Published: October 17, 2009, 4:00 a.m.