Alex Blouch, 16, was hit by an SUV and killed while skateboarding late Thursday night on a road in Mundelein, Ill., which is not friendly to pedestrians or skateboarders.
The School District 127 community in Grayslake, Ill., is pulling together to support his family and other community members as they deal with the tragic news of the death of the Grayslake Central High School rising junior.
“Our hearts and prayers are with Alex’s family and we are working together to support the Blouch family, as well as our students and staff,” the district wrote on its website, from which this release was obtained.
Alex was riding his skateboard on US Highway 45 near the University of St Mary of the Lake on July 18, on his way home from his girlfriend’s house. But along that road, there’s no space for pedestrians, let alone skateboarders. Police and family members said he was struck at about 11:30 pm by a Honda SUV, the Chicago Tribune reported. The driver of the SUV, police said, was 18 years old and did not appear to be impaired in any way. No charges have been filed against the driver.
Members of the school district’s administration and crisis team met Friday and said “counselors, staff, and administrators will be available to support and assist students,” the school district said in posting information and resources to help people cope with the tragedy:
Parent Resources
Helping your student cope with a tragic event … In the aftermath of this tragedy, your student will be in need of your help. Coping with a sudden, traumatic event is a difficult and foreign experience, and each individual will cope in his or her own way. It is important to recognize what are “normal” reactions and what you can do to help your student cope/recover in the days and weeks to come.
Normal reactions to traumatic/tragic events … This is not an all-inclusive list, nor does every individual experience the following:
- Feelings: sadness, anger, guilt, anxiousness, loneliness, disillusionment/sense of injustice, helplessness, numbness
- Thought Patterns: disbelief/denial of event, confusion, impaired concentration and attention span, preoccupation with and/or fear of event reoccurring, flashbacks, loss of faith, suicidal ideation
- Physical Sensations/Symptoms: fatigue, dizziness/faintness, rapid heart rate, nausea, profuse sweating, chills, shortness of breath, tightness in chest/throat, headaches, over sensitivity to noise
- Behaviors: sleep disturbances, nightmares, diminished or increased appetite, restlessness, social withdrawal, sudden tearfulness/crying, emotional outbursts, increased family conflicts, loss of normal patterns of conduct
If the reactions/symptoms above are severe or persist for several weeks, professional counseling and/or medical care may be indicated. Refer to the resources below, your physician, or other mental health agencies/professionals with which you are familiar.
Suggestions For Parents To Help Your Student Cope/Recover
More than anything, listen to them! Encourage them to express as much grief as they are feeling at the moment and are willing to share.
Don’t try to find the “magic words” that will end their struggle with the event, they don’t exist! Examples of words NOT to use are: “You’ll get over it,” “I know how you feel,” “Lucky it wasn’t worse,” etc… Instead, a simple “I’m sorry” or a hug will go a long way.
Use honest language. Say the words that apply: “accident,” “dead,” “critical condition,” “victim,” “survivor,” etc… Do not avoid mentioning the names of the deceased in fear of reminding them of their pain (they haven’t forgotten it).
Encourage well-balanced and regular meals, physical activity, and rest.
Don’t take their anger or other feelings personally.
Gently encourage them to return to their normal activities/routine.
Mental Health Resources
If reactions to the event are severe and/or have persisted for several weeks, professional counseling may be indicated. Listed below are various local mental health agencies that provide youth and family counseling, (some on a “sliding-scale” basis, meaning their fees are based on your income and ability to pay). If you have medical insurance, consult your policy for coverage and/or other resources.
Ardenshore Counseling Center, Gurnee, 847-913-0393
Bradley Youth and Family Counseling (Allendale), Lake Villa, 847-356-3322
Community Youth Network (CYN), Grayslake, 847-548-6000
Counseling Connections, Inc., Libertyville & Vernon Hills, 847-680-2715
Gurnee Counseling Center, Gurnee, 847-336-5621
Hawthorne Counseling Group, Vernon Hills, 847-680-0755
Lake County Health Department, 847-360-3160, 24-hour crisis: 847-377-8088
Lake County Children & Adolescent Behavioral Services, 847-377-8950
Renacer Latino Inc., Waukegan, 847-336-7302
