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Bellerose student killed in crash near Villeneuve Road

The single vehicle rollover near Villeneuve Road claimed the life of Shea-Lynn McGaw, 16. Two other 16-year-old girls from St. Albert, a driver and another passenger were assessed by emergency services on scene and released.
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A 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Bellerose Composite High School died Monday in a single vehicle rollover near Villeneuve Road.

Morinville RCMP said Monday they responded to a single vehicle rollover near Villeneuve Road on Range Road 261 at around 5 p.m. EMS and STARS air ambulance responded to multiple injuries and the road was closed for a period of time.

In a message to Bellerose families on Tuesday morning, acting principal Dawn Rothwell confirmed the death of Shea-Lynn McGaw.

“Our hearts hurt for (Shea-Lynn’s) family, friends, teachers and classmates (as they will very much miss her presence in their lives), and our thoughts are with them all during this difficult time,” wrote Rothwell.

“The flags have been lowered across the division in her honour.” 

Two other 16-year-old girls from St. Albert – a driver and and another passenger in the vehicle – were assessed by emergency services on scene and released. The RCMP are currently investigating the cause of the fatality, which can take up to 90 days.

McGaw joined Bellerose this past year, previously attending Lorne Akins Junior High and Sir Alexander Mackenzie School.

St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron said her heart breaks for the family and friends of McGaw's loved ones. 

"Your heart just goes to the family, to friends, and all the loved ones. It's hard to imagine," Heron said.

Heron said this is the second loss in the St. Albert Public School system, with a loss due to suicide earlier this year. 

"There's just nothing you can say to alleviate the pain of death of a young person. It's just so tragic," Heron said. 

She said she hopes the other two passengers in the vehicle have a full and speedy recovery and they are given the supports they need to get through this terrible event. 

Rothwell stated the Bellerose Student Services Team is on hand to support students, along with additional grief counsellors.

Additional counselling services will also be made available at Bellerose. In-person, virtual or telephone appointments can be made by contacting the school office at 780-460-8490.

“Although our classes are currently online, our staff will be watching for any signs of distress in students during their classes,” Rothwell stated.

“If you feel your child would benefit from having someone to talk to about this, please contact the school to arrange for an appointment for your child and/or family."

Morinville RCMP, along with the assistance of an RCMP collision reconstructionist, are investigating the cause of this fatality but no further updates are anticipated.


Jennifer Henderson

About the Author: Jennifer Henderson

Jennifer Henderson is the editor of the St. Albert Gazette and has been with Great West Media since 2015
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