Two students from Peter Hobart School in St. Louis Park died, and two students were injured after a landslide at Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul May 22.

St. Louis Park School District Commu- nications 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. The field trip involved students digging for fossils according to Thompson.

Thompson confirmed fourth graders Mohamed Fofana and Haysem Sani died in the incident, and Lucas Lee and Devin Meldahl were injured.

District to evaluate incident

Thompson said an investigation is currently ongoing into whether the school

district may be held liable for the incident. In an online statement May 22, District Superintendent Debra Bowers said she felt saddened by the accident and extends her condolences to students and families.

“This is a 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.”

Bowers declined to be interviewed.

Student, staff reactions

Senior Feven Berhane said her younger sister Rahwa was a fourth grader on the trip. Berhane 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 tell she was really shocked.”

Environmental science teacher Pat Hartman said he was also affected by the incident.

Through the Cargill Grant, Hartman has provided science lessons to the fourth graders at Peter Hobart since they were in second grade. Hartman said he felt disheartened by the accident affecting his students.

“I keep thinking about the kids. They didn’t know how to react to it,” Hartman said. “But I know these kids, and they are resilient and are going to pull through.”

Counseling services, and therapy dogs courtesy of Paws for Learning, were offered to affected individuals and families, according to Thompson.

School, city responds

Student Council encouraged students to sign large cards and make paper flowers for Peter Hobart students May 23. Student Council representative Thomas Djerf said he thought the cards were appreciated.

“People were very supportive,” he said. “There’s been lots of tragedy in our school, and even though it’s terrible, it brings us together and makes us stronger.”

Senior Morgan MacDonald said the city Ambassadors are planning a carnival at Dakota Park for students.

“A lot of (people)feel we should help them, like others did when Carly Christenson and Andrew Dudley passed,” she said.

Community members raised support funds in various ways. Citizens Independent Bank created a fund for donations, items were sold at a silent auction June 1 at the Roller Gardens and an online auction that closed at 10 p.m. June 5 raised additional funds.