Community Saddened By Teen's Death
By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

The entire Garden City community was saddened this week by the loss of 16-year-old Jacqueline Rose Vincent, who was electrocuted while crossing LIRR tracks on Friday, June 22nd.

Vincent had been crossing an unlit section of track west of the Garden City station with two friends at 12:20 a.m. when she tripped and fell on the electrified third rail. She was pronounced dead at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola at 1:05 a.m.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Feirsen issued the following statement: "Jacqueline Vincent was a wonderful, bright, well-regarded student and classmate at Garden City High School. She will be much missed by the entire school community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jacqueline's family.

Our district's Crisis Response Team has met to develop a plan to help our school community in this difficult time. Counselors will be providing support for students and families as well as offering suggestions for parents to help their children cope with this tragic loss."

Dr. Feirsen said guidance counselors called students who may have been affected and have talked with community organizations including the PTA. The high school was open for grief counseling on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, and counselors were prepared to make referrals for anyone who needed additional help. Parents and students can also access bereavement resources on the district's Web site, www.gardencity.K12.ny.us/. Dr. Feirsen said he will talk with student leaders to discuss plans for a memorial.

According to published reports, officials from the LIRR plan to meet with school district representatives. Dr. Feirsen said he has not been in direct contact yet with the railroad.

At high school graduation on June 24th, flags were lowered to half-staff in Vincent's memory and attendees paused for a moment of silence.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Jacqueline Rose Vincent Memorial Fund, c/o Marshall & Moss, LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 406, Westbury, NY 11590.