Huddled around a pole marking where 16-year-old Jill Bos’ body came to rest, friends lit candles and hugged each other Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, February 02, 2000

Huddled around a pole marking where 16-year-old Jill Bos’ body came to rest, friends lit candles and hugged each other Tuesday evening. As the cold winter wind served as a somber reminder that everyone feels a chill from life’s hand at one time, the warmth spread forth by those who gathered to honor the Austin High School junior served notice that a person’s soul carries on.

"Why couldn’t this have happened to someone else?" one female student remarked, swiping tears from her red cheeks as others gathered around and prayed. Bos was fatally injured in a traffic accident just before 9:30 p.m. Monday. Twenty-four hours later, more than 75 peers joined Bos’ spirit in a candlelight vigil to remember the girl loved everyone, and whom everyone loved.

Meanwhile, a preliminary report by the Minnesota State Patrol indicates the driver may have been driving at 60 mph or faster. Police are continuing their investigation.

Speaking via telephone Tuesday, Bos’ aunt, Julie Lee, spoke volumes with just a few words about the Austin High School junior.

"She knew everyone and everyone knew her," Lee said. "She had lots of friends; she was one of a kind."

Early in the day, those who knew the volleyball player and member of the school choir gathered around a memorial made in Jill’s honor, laid around the utility pole at Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue SE where the 1989 Ford Tempo in which she was a passenger finally came to rest. As flowers, pictures and stuffed animals lined the pole and as voices strained to hold in emotion, warm stories of Bos’ kindness filled the February night, aiding to let forth emotion held back. One group of teens said sweetness was her most admirable trait, among many others, as another group shared memories of times past.

Officials at Austin High School set up a counseling room for added privacy on Tuesday, a place for friends to come and talk, and share their grief over such an unwelcome tragedy. Austin High School Principal Julia Espe said the school faculty made sure the students knew where to go to talk, but said students give the cues in situations such as this.

"We have offered to talk to the kids, and we can bring in special counselors, such a priest or minister if kids would feel more comfortable talking with them," Espe said. "We try to take the lead from the kids. We don’t want to force anything on them, but at the same time, we want to make sure that someone is available should a student need to talk."

One counselor feels the school responded well to the accident.

"I’m pleased with the staff and students’ response to this tragedy. We’re just there for them, help if they need someone, or some place to go," Austin High School counselor Judy Denines said. "We try and tell students to be sure to share their feelings, but its hard. It’s not right to have a tragedy hit someone so young."

Conversations about the accident occurred in most classes on Tuesday.

"Many teachers had discussions in their classes, and are willing to talk with students; often it’s easier for students to talk to someone they know, rather than a stranger," Espe added.

Many of the Austin High students already were off-campus Tuesday, partaking in a job shadowing program, and as the day proceeded, many more kids went home to be with parents and to talk about their feelings.

As the Austin High Student Council made plans to pass out yellow ribbons in remembrance of Bos, come Tuesday’s final bell, Espe made an announcement to students and urged them to remember their lost friend with smiles. As of Tuesday afternoon, no formal memorial services were planned by the school.

At Tuesday’s vigil service, Diamond Jones, an Austin High student, spoke of the last time she saw Bos, just the day before.

"I just saw her Monday during school, we went out and drove out in the country and we were teasing animals as we drove by," Jones said. "Jill would laugh and tell us not to make fun of the animals. She dropped me off and said, ‘I’ll talk to you tomorrow.’"

Seventeen-year old Sandra Salinas, an Austin High junior, and 13-year old Taylor Wytaske, a student at Ellis Middle School, also were injured in the accident and were taken to Austin Medical Center. Wytaske was transferred later to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. According to police reports, he was likely riding in the back seat at the time of the crash, while Salinas, who was driving, was ejected from the automobile.

As of Wednesday morning, Salinas’ condition remained the same; according to Austin Medical Center spokeswoman Tami Oldfather, the 17-year old was in serious but stable condition. Wytaske was listed in fair condition at St. Mary’s this morning, according to Allison Allen, hospital spokeswoman.

A preliminary investigation of Monday’s accident indicates the driver was traveling at a minimum speed of 60 mph, according to a Minnesota State Patrol report given to Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp Tuesday. The report also noted, the actual speed may have been more than 60 mph. The state patrol is continuing its reconstruction of the mishap and will share that information with the Austin Police Department.

The speed limit in the area of Fourth Street SE is 30 mph.

Attempts to visit with the driver by authorities were unsuccessful Tuesday afternoon.

According to authorities, the driver could be charged, but that decision will be made by Mower County Attorney Patrick A. Oman after the state patrol turns over its report to Austin police and both the driver and the surviving passenger are questioned.