JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Monroe High School Senior is dead just weeks before graduation following a single-vehicle accident.
At about 1 a.m. May 12, 2021, Green County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, along with the Juda Fire Department, responded to a report of a car on fire along Middle Juda Road about 1/2 mile west of Richland Road.
Upon further investigation, deputies concluded that a driver, Hunter J. Harrison, 18, of Juda, was operating a vehicle traveling west on Middle Juda Road when the vehicle left the roadway and traveled into the north ditch hitting a tree and catching on fire.
Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene by the Green County Coroner’s Office. The investigation cites speed as a factor in the crash.
District Administrator Rick Waski said in a press release that “Counselors and school administration are working to support the family, students and staff as we all work to process this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hunter’s family and the entire community as we process our feelings of grief and loss.”
In lieu of the accident, the district postponed the annual Senior Awards Night, which had been scheduled to take place the evening of May 12. A new date had not been released by print time.
High school Principal Chris Medenwaldt also addressed the tragedy in an email to parents.
“For those of you who knew him, I ask that you remember and celebrate his memory,” he said. “For those of you who did not know him, I ask that you respect the sadness many are experiencing and support everyone with your understanding.”
Tips for grieving adolescents
● Do not force young people to share their feelings with others, including their peers if they do not feel comfortable. Provide them with opportunities to share their feelings privately.
● Adolescents often seek support via social media. Be aware of what is being posted and shared. Encourage your child to seek support for a friend in need.
● Adolescents tend to feel more comfortable expressing their feelings and grief similar to adults.
● High school students may use physical contact to show their support and empathy (e.g., hugging or touching the arm)
Possible grief reactions include:
● Poor school performance
● Anxiety
● Depression
● High risk behaviors or substance use
● Emotional numbing
● Suicidal thoughts
Suggestions for conversations and support
● Try to understand the grief process rather than be annoyed by it. Common reactions include: decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, a decreased ability to concentrate, increased sadness, and social withdrawal. Students sometimes also feel anger toward the deceased for leaving them.
● “I’m sorry” or “I care” is all that is necessary to say; a squeeze of the hand, a hug, a kiss can say the words.
● Don’t say: “You will get over it in time.” They will never stop missing the person who died. Time may soften the hurt, but it will not just go away. There will always be a scar.
● Listen, listen, listen. Talking about the pain slowly lessens its sting. Most bereaved persons need to talk. It is helpful for someone to listen. Try to become an effective listener.
● Encourage expressions of specific feelings: anger, guilt, frustration, confusion, depression, hate. Express your own feelings in an open, calm, and appropriate way that encourages students to share their feelings and grief.
● Be brief and be patient. Mourning takes time. People need you. Stand by them for as long as possible. There is no timetable for grief. Do not give a pep talk or suggest a timetable. Remember that you may have to answer the same question multiple times and repeat key information to ensure understanding.
● Talk about the good memories. They help the healing process.
● Suggest that grieving people take part in support groups. Sharing similar experiences helps healing.
● Be there caring, saying “I’m sorry” and helping in practical ways.
● Sincerely ask, “How are you doing?” Bereaved persons can tell if you want to hear “fine” or if you really want to know.
● Help bereaved to eliminate expectations as to how they should feel and when they will be healed.
● Be approachable, aware, and interested. Listen, acknowledge feelings, and be nonjudgmental.
● Be accepting of the person, of his/her feelings, his/her confusion.
● Acts of thoughtfulness-a note, visit, plant, helpful book, plate of cookies, phone call, invitation to lunch or to go shopping, coffee.
● Be confidential with what is shared with you.
— Information shared by the Monroe High School