The 17-year-old woman who died following a car accident in Abbotsford early Saturday morning has been identified as a Grade 12 student from Mission Secondary School.
While the victim’s name has not officially been released, she has been identified on social media as Lindsey Sunder.
The Mission School District has sent a letter to parents regarding the availability of counselling and other help for classmates impacted by the tragedy.
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Angus Wilson, superintendent of schools in Mission, said a team is ready to assist both students and teachers.
“When we have what we refer to as a critical incident, we launch the flight team, which is a group of individuals from around the school district, with specialized training, to go and support the school at the heart of the incident,” Wilson said.
“That includes counseling, therapy, even dogs to help support not just students, but also staff at the school.”
The district also performs an analysis of other schools that may be interconnected, including the victim’s previous schools or schools that her relatives might be attending.
“We have special rooms put aside in the school (Mission Secondary) to help support students who need a space,” Wilson said.
He said students will be encouraged to speak to any staff member if they feel they need help.
The single-vehicle crash occurred just after 2 a.m. Saturday in the eastbound lanes of Highway 1 near Whatcom Road in Abbotsford. The driver was rushed to hospital, but police confirmed later that she died from her injuries.
Cpl. Mike Halskov of RCMP Traffic Services said it appears that the driver lost control of her vehicle when it began to hydroplane on wet roads. The vehicle went off the highway and ended up on its roof.
“It appears she may not have been wearing a seatbelt,” Halskov said.
– with files from Vikki Hopes
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