Visitation for Sara Hess, a sophomore volleyball player at Graham High School, will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school and a prayer service will follow.
A funeral will take place Friday at Westville Methodist Church. A time hasn’t been announced and Graham Local Schools will be closed that day “to provide respectful observance for our school community,” Superintendent Kirk Koennecke said.
EARLIER REPORT
A community gathered to mourn the loss of an Urbana teen killed Friday night in a car crash.
Hundreds of people showed up to Graham High School in Champaign County for a candlelight vigil to remember 15-year-old Sara Hess.
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The sophomore died after another car rear-ended the one she was riding in on Ohio 235 near Roswell.
Those in attendance lit candles, prayed, and stood together in silence, remembering the good times with Hess.
“She tripped and fell and giggled, and made everyone laugh, we all had good times”, said vigil attendee Ally Collette.
Family, friends, teachers, and the entire student body are still in disbelief over the loss of a teen many described as being very involved and busy.
“Very actively involved, bright young lady, volleyball player, band member”, said Kirk Koennecke, Graham Local Schools superintendent.
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The driver of the vehicle Hess was in and fellow Graham student, 17-year-old Gabe Wier, was also on the minds of the huge crowd at the vigil.
Wier is listed in serious, but stable condition at Miami Valley Hospital. At least one of the two people in the vehicle that rear-ended the teen’s car is in critical condition at Miami Valley Hospital as well.
Taking the time to remember their friend’s life, Hess’ classmates say the chance to be with one another helps to try and get through this difficult weekend.
“She loved everyone with all her heart, and is just in a better place”, said classmate Nadia Ritter.