CPS partnership with F.A.C.E offers resources for students grieving after classmate’s passing
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mental health resources are available to Columbia Public Schools students who are grieving after a Rock Bridge High School student was killed in a car crash over the weekend.
The Family Access Center of Excellent (FACE) provides counselors, social workers, school psychologists and behavior specialists.
Sarah Owens, the director of FACE School Based Services, said the partnership with CPS is important, especially after a student or classmate passes away.
"There is already not enough mental health support in any school," Owens said. “So having an additional partnership where we can work alongside counselors to support students who might be grieving who might need a little additional support, and just have extra eyes around the buildings to identify those who might be beginning to struggle before it becomes really problematic or really scary and be able to support those youth and where they are at and where they need is huge."
The crash happened late Friday night in the area of West Nifong Boulevard and Bethel Street.
Rock Bridge High School principal Jacob Sirna sent an email Sunday saying that freshman Evan Avery was killed in the crash.
"There were other CPS students involved in this accident, as well," Sirna wrote. "We ask that you keep Evan's, and all the families, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this incredibly difficult path forward."
The Columbia Police Department said that investigators believe a 2011 Toyota Rav4 that had five juveniles inside ran a red light before crashing into a 2009 Toyota Carolla, which was also driven by a juvenile. The RAV4 then began to roll and struck a third vehicle while the Corolla hit a fourth vehicle. Police said at least one person was thrown from the RAV4. None of the people inside the RAV4 were wearing seat belts, according to investigators.
Corporal Kyle Green with the Missouri State Highway Patrol says it's important to wear a seat belt any time you ride in a car.
"Whether you're a new driver, or have been driving for a long time, obviously the most important thing you can do and should do is put your seatbelt on when you get in the car. You know, many times people are not fond of wearing one as a comfort thing, or they forget. But, it truly is a life-saving safety device."
Data from the Missouri Division of the Federal Highway Administration shows that in 2022, Missouri's overall safety belt usage was 88.9%, which was below the national rate of 91.6%.
According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, an estimated 250 lives would be saved every year if all drivers and passengers on Missouri's roads wore their seat belts.
