Julie Schnell Obituary, Death – The horrific accident that occurred this morning in Kyana Bottoms claimed the lives of a mother and her daughter. On Highway 64, east of St. Anthony, their passenger car and a semi-tanker truck carrying hazardous ammonia nitrate crashed. The tanker truck was transporting the ammonia nitrate. Another one of the girls in the automobile was rushed to the Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, where she is currently listed as being in critical but stable condition.
The semi’s driver was taken to a hospital in Evansville, where he received treatment for injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening. A note was delivered to the teachers as well as the parents of students at the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools late this morning. The following is what is written on the note: “Dear GJCS Family and Friends, The awful news that one of our high school teachers, Mrs. Julie Schnell, and her daughter, Alaina, were killed in an accident this morning leaves us in a state of profound grief as we share it with you.
Holy Trinity School was Alaina’s place of education when she was a young lady full of life. The entire Greater Jasper School community is devastated by this terrible news. We are heartbroken by the passing of such an incredible mentor and friend. During this time of such profound sorrow, our hearts are broken out of compassion for the Schnell family. Addison, a high school girl who is still hospitalized, is the recipient of our thoughts and prayers, and we want the family to know that we are thinking and praying for her recovery. As they try to come to terms with such a devastating loss, she and her family will require the assistance of our entire community.
The text of the note continues as follows: “Our high school kids have been told, and counselors will be present to talk to the students about the loss that they are facing.” It’s possible that your youngster will want to continue this conversation with you at home. We advise being forthright and truthful, while cautioning against disclosing more information than is suitable for the recipient’s age. As adults, we may have the feeling that we should already know all of the answers. It is acceptable to admit to our children that we do not understand something. At that time, please tell us what you do to deal with situations in which things make no sense to you. The remainder of today as well as tomorrow, counselors will remain available to staff members and kids.
The Indiana State Police are currently conducting an investigation into the collision. The Indiana State Police and the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department were among the first responders to arrive at the scene of the accident this morning. Crash reconstructionists from the ISP and commercial vehicle inspectors have arrived at the scene in an effort to ascertain what caused the collision. Because the tanker truck was transporting chemicals at the time of the collision, the Hazardous Materials Team was also dispatched to the scene. It is not thought that impairment was a factor in the accident that occurred.