Four killed in accident on Saturday

Funeral services are being held this Friday and Saturday for the two Vandalia Community High School students and parents of the VCHS principal who died in a car accident on Saturday evening.

Sustaining fatal injuries in that crash were VCHS freshmen Jenna Protz, the daughter of VCHS Principal Randy Protz, and Holly Lidy, and William and Jackolyn Protz, the parents of Randy Protz.
They were traveling home from the Vandals’ playoff game in Williamsburg when their vehicle was involved in a head-on crash shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the Illinois State Police, a 2010 Toyota Sienna driven by Jackolyn Protz was traveling eastbound on Ill. Route 185 about two miles from Coffeen when a westbound 2016 Ford F-150 driven by a 17-year-old Harvel resident crossed into the oncoming lane and struck the Toyota head-on.
The Montgomery County coroner pronounced all four occupants dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford truck was airlifted to a local trauma center with life-threatening injuries and remains in serious condition.
The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the crash.
Shortly after the accident, residents of the community began to respond in a show of support for the family members of those who died in the accident.
Several hundred residents gathered in the VCHS gym late Sunday afternoon for a prayer vigil that included words of support from local clergy and Connie Goldsmith, a professional counselor who serves on the Vandalia Board of Education.
That evening, Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Garrison released a written statement in which she said that the district had activated its crisis counseling team to assist students and faculty in its schools.
In that statement (see Page 6), Garrison said, “This loss affects everyone in our school family and in the Vandalia community.
“Our school family is heartbroken. We will do everything we can to help with the healing process, and we appreciate our community’s continued support of our students.”
Michelle McNary, coach of the VCHS girls basketball team, of which Jenna Protz and Holly Lidy were members, also spoke of the two freshmen in a written statement (see Page 6).
On Monday, Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman also released a written statement (see Page 6).
“As mayor of Vandalia, my heart goes out to all the families, friends and community members affected by the tragic accident that occurred this past Saturday,” Gottman said.
“I am very proud of how our community has pulled together to support all involved. The outpouring from surrounding communities has been outstanding as well,” he said in the written statement.
The school district announced on Tuesday that classes on Friday have been canceled. “This decision was made based on what we do as a family to support two of our own staff members in their time of need.”
Students and faculty in the district, as well as other residents of the community, were asked to wear red and black on Monday, and numerous local businesses and individuals posted online photos of themselves dressed in memory of those who died and in support of students and staff in the school district.
On Tuesday, in memory of Jenna and Holly, they were asked to wear pink.
On Wednesday, the request was made to wear camouflage apparel in support of the Harvel teen injured in the accident.
Throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday, local individuals and businesses posted photos of themselves in red and black, and more posted photos of them in pink apparel.
Also, elementary and high schools from throughout this part of the state have posted online photos showing support for the community and the families of those who died in the accident.
Trevor Higgins, the head football coach at Pana High School who lost a young son in an accident this past summer, posted a recording of a song that he wrote in memory of his son in the “hope (that) the words of the song could provide some comfort for those who have lost a child or any loved one.”
At last count, more than 75 such photos have been posted online.
The Ramsey High School girls basketball team dedicated its season opener on Monday to Jenna and Holly.
Williamsville High School, which hosted the state playoff game with the Vandals on Saturday, announced that it is donating its share of profits from that game, as well as gate receipts and donations from activities this week, to the Vandalia School District.
The Vandalia Alumni and Friends School Foundation has created a fund to honor both Holly and Jenna. Donations can be sent to the Vandalia District Office at 1109 N. Eighth St., Vandalia, with checks to be written to OCF-VAF.
 

The Teutopolis School District is among the many from throughout this part of the state posting photos of support for the families of those who died in Saturday’s accident as well as the students and staff in the Vandalia School District.