Griggsville-Perry student dies in Thursday morning crash on Ill. 107

PERRY, Ill. — A teenager was killed in a vehicle crash Thursday morning in Pike County.

Pike County 911 received a report of the crash on Illinois Route 107, just south of Perry, at 8:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. Units with Troop 6 of the Illinois State Police responded to a single vehicle fatal traffic crash, where the vehicle struck a tree. 

Zachary D. Thomas, 17, of Griggsville was pronounced dead on the scene by the Pike County Coroner.  The other occupant of the vehicle, whose name was not released, was flown to a regional hospital with serious injuries.

Griggsville-Perry Superintendent Jeff Abell made the following statement on Facebook Thursday afternoon:

I want to update you on the serious motor vehicle crash involving two high school students that has shaken our two communities today.

It is with great sadness that I must inform you that one of the students involved in the accident has passed away. The second student remains in the hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Our district is committed to doing everything we can to help our students with the grieving and healing process. To that end, we have activated our crisis counseling team to be at our schools for the remainder of the week and into next week.

This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in the Griggsville-Perry Communities. Students may have a difficult time dealing with the loss, and we encourage you to talk with your child.

**All evening games, practices and activities are canceled. This includes any practices, HS Volleyball, JH Basketball, and PreK night.**

Vigil Service Planned Tonight

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., we will host a candlelight vigil. Please join us at the south side of the high school by the flagpole. We will begin with a prayer and candlelight vigil. The high school building will then be open for anyone who would like to visit or meet with a counselor. There will be snacks and light refreshments available.

Friday, October 13th, our doors will be open for all high school students during regular school hours. Again, there will be counselors on site for any student or staff member needing support. School will be in session, but academics will be paused while we spend time supporting each other.

If your child is not going to be in attendance tomorrow, please notify the school by calling 217-833-2352.

Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.