September 5, 2010

York Elementary in Springfield MO copes with 3rd huge tragedy in 22 years

by Chad Plein, KY3 News

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Story Published: Mar 19, 2010 at 5:49 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 5:56 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – York Elementary School is part of the extended family of the three Watson children who died in a house fire last Monday morning. The two girls, Alexis and Kelsey attended that school.

Grief counselors helped children and staff at the school make it through a tough week. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that students, faculty and staff at York have had to deal with multiple deaths in one family.

“Both girls were great. Lexi was smart, Kelsey was a bundle of energy,” said Principal Gary Danielson.

For the sisters and their brother, who would have been at York when he was older, York students are giving floral arrangements for the kids' service.

“I told them to bring in a nickel or a dime. It'll celebrate the life of the children; it'll give them some ownership and closure,” said Danielson.

Fire House Pottery is creating a plaque to remember the siblings. It'll have three butterflies, each with a kid's name. The school plans on bringing this memorial to life.

“We'll release butterflies there, hope they'll lay their eggs, then, each year, more butterflies will be there to remember the kids,” the principal said.

This is the third time in 22 years that York Elementary has lost siblings. The Watsons will be honored like a similar memorial from 1999 under a tree, and another one from 1988 under another tree.

“It's a sign tragedy happens every day. Unfortunately, it's happened too often at York,” said Danielson.

The older memorial, from May 1988, remembers 9-year-old Frank Duchow and his 7-year-old brother Tom. Those boys were victims of a triple homicide/suicide by their father.

The other memorial is for the VanderHoef siblings. Jimmy, Chris and Darlene were killed, along with their pregnant mother, Erin VanderHoef, in January 1999 by two men who are now each serving five life prison sentences.

Between these trees, the memorial to the Watsons will take their place.

“I hope nobody has to go through this, even though that's a wish that's going to be unfulfilled,” said Danielson.

A private visitation for the family is set for Sunday, with the funeral for the three children to follow on Monday.

Next article Labor Day weekend turns deadly at Lake of the Ozarks

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