According to an article released by the Minneapolis Star Tribune online newspaper, two students from Peter Hobart Elementary School in St. Louis Park have died and two students are seriously injured after a landslide at Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul May 22.

The fourth-grader who was previously missing was found deceased once recovery efforts resumed the morning of May 23 according to an article released by the Star Tribune online newspaper.

St. Louis Park School District Communications Manager Sara Thompson said 49 students in Penny Dupris’ and Sarah Reichert’s fourth grade classes were visiting Lilydale Regional Park on a field trip May 22 when the cliff gave out around 1:15 p.m. Previous field trips to Lilydale Regional Park involved students digging for fossils according to senior Feven Berhane, who went on the trip as a fourth grader.

Thompson confirmed reports of serious injuries from the landslide, but would not confirm reports of a fatality as released by the Star Tribune.

A Minneapolis Police Clip was reported as corroborating some reports of bodies being at least partially covered by the landslide.

“(There is) one body half-exposed and another one that’s totally buried,” according to the scanner.

In an online statement, District Superintendent Debra Bowers said she felt saddened by the accident and extends her condolences to students and families.

“This is an incredibly sad time for our schools and our entire school community,” Bowers said. “Our hearts go out to the families, friends and everyone touched by today’s accident.”

Berhane’s younger sister Rahwa was a fourth grader on the trip. Feven said she noticed her sister was deeply affected by the tragedy.

“I was talking to her on the phone as soon as I saw it. She sounded very upset,” Berhane said. “Usually she has an attitude, but she didn’t have one so you could she was really shocked and in her feelings.”

Thompson confirmed counseling services would be available to those students and families impacted by the incident and that the district expects to hold classes tomorrow.

Despite the counseling services being offered, senior Augusta Weide, who babysits a fourth grader at Peter Hobart, said she is worried about how the accident could affect the other students at the school.

“We (at the high school) have learned how to stick together as a community from experience with these tragedies,” Weide said. “It’s really sad because those kids are so much younger, and I’m worried they won’t know what to do.”

Some high school students are working to prepare an event to help those impacted. Some, such as senior Morgan MacDonald, are using lessons learned from previous tragedies such as the deaths of Park high school students: 2012 senior Andrew Dudley and freshman Carly Christenson. She is leading an effort with the St. Louis Park Ambassadors to set up a “fun day” for Peter Hobart students.

“I feel like we’ve gone through this with Carly’s death and Andrew’s passing, and I’ve learned that it helps a lot to have people there and things to do when stuff like this happens,” MacDonald said. “The ‘fun day’ would be kind of like a carnival to help get it off people’s minds.”

Pending administrative approval, the “fun day” is expected to occur after the school day ends May 31 at Dakota Park, located just off of the Peter Hobart campus.

In addition to actions being taken by current high school students, the community has reached out to help Peter Hobart students, staff and families as well. A memorial has been set up outside of the school where individuals have left cards, balloons and flowers. According to a post on the Peter Hobart Parent Teacher Association Facebook page, some parents are going to bring in pastries and coffee to staff members May 23.

Thompson said she appreciates those who have reached out to students and families afflicted.

“Thank you to parents, (and) thank you to community members who have sent an outpouring of sympathy and good thoughts to our staff and our students at this time,” Thompson said.

Peter Hobart parent Patricia Dudley of fourth grader Patrick Dudley expressed her sympathies and prayers to those hurt in the landslide.

“I’m just praying for the other families,” Dudley said. “I can’t imagine what they’re thinking right now.”

In addition to automated phone calls and e-mail blasts, Thompson said the district plans to keep students updated on information through the district’s website www.slpschools.org. The Echo will continue to update this story as information is released.