Grief Counseling Available To Students Following Fatal Crash

PLEASANTON, CA — Grief counseling and support services will be available to students in Pleasanton this week as they try to cope with the loss of a Village High student tragically killed in a collision in Livermore on Nov. 22. Violet Campbell, 16, who was one of five people in the SUV, died during the crash. Another passenger was ejected and remains hospitalized at Eden Medical Center.

The driver, Livermore resident Lauren Davis, 26, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of second-degree murder and felony DUI causing injury/death, according to the California Highway Patrol. It's expected that Davis will be released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin later today because the Alameda County District Attorney's Office wants more information before considering filing charges against her for the fatal crash. Alameda County sheriff's jail records list Davis' occupation as being a driver for UPS. She's currently being held without bail.

A touching roadside memorial of flowers and rocks appeared Thursday near the scene of a deadly car crash.

“Violet touched the lives of many of her fellow students and Village staff members,” Pleasanton Unified School District officials said. “Our hearts go out to her family and the entire Village High School community.”

Campbell, who went by the name Agamau in previous years, attended Foothill and Village high schools in Pleasanton.

Foothill High School Principal Sebastian Bull shared the news of her death by email on Sunday:

Dear Foothill families,

It is with sadness that I inform you that a Village High School student, Violet Campbell, passed away in a car accident on Wednesday evening. Prior to attending Village, she attended Foothill High School. To respect the privacy of the family, we are unable to share other details at this time.

It is very difficult for all of us to face the loss of one of our students. On Monday, a support team of counselors will be at Foothill to provide counseling and support to students.

Your student may be coming home with questions and worries hearing about this loss. The following may be helpful as you talk with your child:

Allow for your child to talk about feelings. If this is the first loss your child has experienced, your child may not know how to respond and will be looking for your guidance.
Affirm all expressions. It’s okay to express feelings honestly. Tolerate the expressions rather than dismissing them or discouraging the expression of feelings.
Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal and you understand the way they feel.
Watch for signs of trouble such as aggression, withdrawal etc.
Help your children return to as normal of a routine as possible.

Please feel free to contact us if you need anything. I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to this student’s family. Again, please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any concerns or questions.

Sincerely,
Sebastian Bull
Principal

CHP officials said the blue Kia Sorento left the road for unknown reasons, overturned several times and came to rest on the first set of railroad tracks. Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene, and another passenger who was seated in the back of the SUV, was fully ejected, according to CHP.

CHP officials said alcohol was suspected to be a factor in the deadly crash and Davis, who suffered minor to moderate injuries, was arrested. The additional investigation that must be conducted into the fatal collision involves getting a toxicology report on Davis, getting witness statements and reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the area, California Highway Patrol Officer Tyler Hahn said.

See Also:

• Teen Killed In Livermore Crash Identified As Pleasanton Resident
• Driver Suspected Of DUI In Deadly Livermore Crash ID'd

Photo courtesy P. Johnson

Bay City News contributed to this report