Prayer vigil held, fundraisers underway to aid families

Members of the Henryetta community gathered Monday evening to pray and offer support for the families and remember the victims involved in Monday’s tragic incident.

About 200 people of all ages gathered at the Henryetta High School gymnasium.

Several pastors talked about the power of prayer and how the vic- tims’ families have their support.

Family of the two missing girls, Ivy Webster and Brittany Brewer, described the teens as outgoing, generous, artistic, and helpful.

Although authorities had not identified all seven victims, five of them were reportedly students in Henryetta Schools. Local churches and the district will have counseling available.

Henryetta Public Schools issued the following release Monday afternoon: “At this time we are all grieving over the tragedy of the loss of several of our students. Our hearts are hurting, and we have considered what would be best for our students in the coming days. We will have school, and this will be an extremely difficult day. We want to ensure that all students have access to grief counseling & the support of faculty & friends. We will have mental health professionals & faith-based clergy on hand, but we understand if you feel it is more appropriate to keep your student at home. Please continue to keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”