The Student News Site of Shawnee Mission Northwest

SMNW

The Student News Site of Shawnee Mission Northwest

SMNW

The Student News Site of Shawnee Mission Northwest

SMNW

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Senior Will Ensley killed in car crash

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Photo+courtesy+of+The+Lair.
Evan Johnson
Photo courtesy of The Lair.

In an email to parents Thursday morning, principal Lisa Gruman announced that senior Will Ensley died from injuries sustained in a car accident on July 26. 

Ensley, a varsity swimmer and dedicated member of the community, was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday morning after a wreck on Metcalf Ave. and West 115th St. at 6:45 a.m. The nine-car collision resulted in the shutdown of Metcalf Ave. south of College Boulevard for hours. 

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, according to media reports. 

“Death is always difficult to handle, but especially when someone is so young,” Gruman wrote. “It will be important to recognize that all of us will need time to process what has happened, and to express our feelings.”

Students may visit the main office from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., no appointment needed if they wish to talk to a social worker or counselor. If they need to talk to someone outside of those hours, Gruman encouraged them to use the 988 National Hotline to manage mental health and crisis situations.

Faculty wishing to seek counseling or parents in need of a guide to communicate to their adolescents about death can click on the following links, where resources are available 24/7.

Employee Assistance Program 

Parent Guide

 

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About the Contributors
Sofia Ball, Writer
Hi! My name is Sofia Ball and I am a writer for the Northwest Passage. Writing started out as a hobby for me. Something I never imagined I would be good at until about 7th grade after taking a creative writing class with Dr. Van Zant. I just started out as a freshman, and already, I've come to know and love many of the classes, teachers and students here at Northwest. I’d like to think of myself as an extrovert, but most of my freetime is spent either reading, writing or watching Netflix in my bedroom. I used to watch The Office all the time before it got removed. The only time you'll ever see me out and about is probably at Cross Country or Track practice. You may even see me handing out our latest newspaper issues around the school.
Evan Johnson, co-Newspaper Photo Editor
Hi, my name is Evan Johnson and I am one of the Newspaper Photo Editors. I joined photojournalism my freshman year because I am passionate about taking photos and it’s a great creative outlet. I am hopeful I’ll have a positive impact on the photojournalism program. My goal is to be someone people will rely on in, and outside of, the journalism room. Outside of school, I enjoy being active through things such as bike riding and skateboarding. I also enjoy listening to a lot of music such as Duster, Machine Girl and Billie Holiday.

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