Community gathers for prayer circle to remember Kansas teen who died in crash
By KAKE Staff
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COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (KAKE) — Community members, clergy and fellow students gathered on Wednesday to remember a 15-year-old Kansas girl who died following a crash allegedly caused by a driver who was fleeing law enforcement.
A prayer circle for Serafina O’Connell was held at Field Kindley Memorial High School in Coffeyville. A local photographer said about 300 people attended the event hosted by the high school student council.
“Local clergy from First Southern Baptist Church, Grace Fellowship, teachers, and students all spoke in celebration of life,” SnapWild Photography said in a Facebook post. “Parents, administrators, and the public were all there in support.”
The crash happened Thursday afternoon at East 8th Street and Patterson Boulevard. The Kansas Highway Patrol reports a Jeep was heading north while being pursued by authorities. The Jeep failed to yield at a stoplight, striking a northbound Chevy Tahoe. Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned.
Serafina, the passenger in the Tahoe, was taken to a hospital in Tulsa, where she died Monday night, according to the KHP crash log. The 17-year-old driver had minor injuries.
The 38-year-old woman driving the Jeep is charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. Find more on that story here.
“Our hearts are heavy as we share our deepest sympathy with the O’Connell family during this difficult time,” the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce said on Facebook. “This tragic loss has touched the entire Coffeyville community, and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends.”
Serafina’s obituary states her funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 8.
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