FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2023
For more information, contact:
Amanda Denevan
Assistant HR Director/Communications
Williston Basin School District #7
(701)609-0252
amanda.denevan@willistonschools.org
Mitch Melberg
Communications Director
City of Williston
(701)713-3800
Heather Cook
Public Information Officer
City of Williston Police Department
(701)577-1212
Williston Basin School District #7 is reeling from the loss of four students who were involved in two separate vehicle accidents last night. The sudden loss of our students is an unimaginable tragedy for all, not just for our district, but for our entire community. We have mobilized our crisis team to provide support and counseling at Williston High School and Bakken Elementary for our students and staff that are undoubtedly affected by this. We will continue to provide support as we deal with the aftermath of this. Please keep all of the families, students, and staff in your thoughts and prayers as we process this crisis.
"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this terrible tragedy. Our Resource Officers are at the schools and have been instructed to do whatever they can to comfort those affected by this tragedy. We will do whatever we can to support those families, as well as the residents of the City of Williston that are going through this tragedy. We will get through this together, because that's what Williston does. We are a strong community and we band together to support each other, and that's what we're going to do. As we have more details, we will make sure the public is informed in a timely manner to avoid any rumors or speculation." -Mayor Howard Klug
“The Williston Police Department would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and to those affected by both tragedies that occurred yesterday. Our School Resource Officers (SROs) will be available to assist the Williston Basin School District #7 Crisis Response Team to help with any students affected by the loss of their classmates. The Williston Police Department will continue to coordinate with our SROs to ensure that any services or support that is needed, is available to the Williston Basin School District #7 or to anyone impacted by the loss of these young members of our community. The Williston Police Department with the help of our community will pull together any resources necessary to assist during these difficult times.” -Chief Peterson
“On behalf of the Williston Basin School District, I offer our deepest condolences to families and to those affected by the tragic loss of life. We are blessed to live in a community that collaborates and works together, especially in difficult times. I am comforted by the partnerships that exist with the City of Williston, The Williston Police Department, the Williams County Sheriff’s Department, the greater Williston community and the Williston Basin School District #7.” -Dr. Faidley
For grief resources, please visit https://www.willistonschools.org/page/grief-resources.