Mt. Zion district superintendent gives statement on ATV crash

MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) - Mt. Zion School District #3 is enabling students to take a leave of absence in the wake of an ATV accident that killed 10-year-old Jack Brinkoetter and left another 10-year-old critically injured.

Police say the children, both fifth grade students at Mt. Zion Intermediate School, were riding on an inner tube towed from an ATV. As the driver turned on a slope, the tube slingshot into a roadside boulder. Both kids were taken to local hospitals.

Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, the district Superintendent, issued a statement to the Mt. Zion community:

"Parents and Guardians of Intermediate School students, As you know, our Intermediate school family suffered a horrible tragedy yesterday. Two of our 5th-grade students were in a tragic accident. One of our 5th graders passed away, and the other is in critical but stable condition. We extend our deepest condolences to these families and will do our best to support these families.

"Additionally, we have a plan to provide support and counseling to our staff and students when we return to school. An area crisis team comprised of local school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors has been assembled and will be in the building all day when the students return. They will provide counseling and support services to our students and any staff members who are in need. We will continue to assess the need for additional emotional support moving forward.

"Children grieve in a multitude of ways and in varied amounts of time. As we continue through this challenging time, please contact the school if you notice your child is having difficulty. We will work together to provide your child with support and care. If you feel your child needs more time at home to grieve through this tragedy, please take this time as a family. There will be no school consequences for staying home during this difficult time.

Please also continue to keep these families in your thoughts and prayers."

WAND News will continue to follow the story for new developments for those involved.