Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MOUNT PLEASANT — It has been a difficult week in these small communities in Sanpete County. But it has also been a time when people have come together, especially at North Sanpete High School.
“My daughter and Ryan were best friends through high school, they were inseparable,” said Tara Harrison.
Harrison, who was one of the many friends, who came to pay their respects to Ryan Lyman. He was one of three teens killed last Friday night in a car accident east of Mount Pleasant.
Friends are still rallying together through a crowdfunding effort* and silent auction to raise money for Lyman’s funeral expenses.
“Ryan was the happiest kid. I think everyone who knew him loved him and he always had the biggest smile, and he had a heart of gold,” Harrison said.
Dr. Sam Ray, superintendent of the North Sanpete School District, said support has also come from neighboring and rival high schools.
“We get together on the ball field or on the court and the competition gets intense sometimes, but it really is reassuring and gives you hope for the future in our country that the kids come together and they really care about each other,” said Ray.
Two of the victims of the accident were students at North Sanpete High School and the superintendent said while students continue to mourn Julie Oldroyd and Kodi Wheeler, a spirit of unity at the school is helping the students to cope with this tragedy.
“The kids have really helped each other out. The parents have been great we have an amazing community and it is times like this that you really appreciate what you have,” he added.
The funeral for Julie Oldroyd will be on Friday in Moroni and services are set for Saturday in Fountain Green for Kodi Wheeler.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
