The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department says a Lincoln Southeast High School student was critically injured in a two vehicle crash late Saturday night.  Sheriff Terry Wagner said Monday morning that 18 year old Kennedy Bowles was a passenger in a southbound car that ran a stop sign at SW 14th and Highway 33 around 10:30 p.m.

The car was struck by an eastbound pickup.  Wagner says Bowles and three other people in the car were taken to Bryan West hospital.   He says the driver and passenger in the pickup were treated and released from the hospital.

On Monday this message was sent to Lincoln Southeast students and their parents from the district.
Southeast families,

We have sad news to share with you this morning. Over the weekend, Kennedy Bowles, one of our seniors, was critically injured in a car crash. She is not expected to survive her injuries. We ask that you keep Kennedy, her family and her friends in your thoughts at this especially difficult time. Please respect the privacy of Kennedy’s family and refrain from participating in gossip or spreading rumors in person or online.

Grief affects everyone in different ways and we encourage you to be kind to yourself and those around you who might be struggling. Even though you might not know Kennedy, it is possible that this situation may cause you to think of someone you knew or loved.  Your counselors, social workers, psychologist, and the LPS Crisis Team are here to offer support and you can ask your teacher for a pass to the Counseling Center if you would like to talk with them. If you are learning at home, check your email for a link to request to Zoom with your counselor or a Crisis Team member.

The Lincoln Public Schools Crisis Team was available at Southeast High School on Monday to provide support to students and staff. The district says if your student is home alone and a remote learner, please check on your student after they hear this news. If you need us to help support your child who is learning at home, please contact our office at (402) 436-1304 or sign up your student here and someone will reach out to them.

Adolescents may respond to the news of traumatic events in many ways. Some may show no emotions while others may experience very intense emotions. Feelings about previous experiences may also resurface. It is natural for teens to often reach out to peers for support. However, their peers may also be struggling and inexperienced with grief. You are encouraged to talk with your student about their feelings. HERE is a brochure about Helping Teens with Trauma and Grief.

Please know our staff are here to assist you and your child. Feel free to contact us if you need more support.

Tanner Penrod, Principal
Southeast High School