Coventry Schools Hit Hard by Death of Taylor Reilly in Johnston Gas Station Accident

COVENTRY, RI — The Coventry schools have been hit hard by the loss of Taylor Reilly, Schools Supt. Craig Levis said.

Reilly, the 18-year-old killed yesterday in the accident at the Sunoco gas station on Hartford Avenue in Johnston, had just graduated from Coventry High in 2016.

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Levis released a statement saying this communication is the "most difficult he will ever have to make," as a superintendent and as a parent. The 18-year-old's death is a tragic loss, he indicated.

The school community is also grieving.

Her mother, Kerri Potvin, teaches fifth-grade at Washington Oak Elementary. She also taught previously at the Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School.

The schools are providing support to the children and teachers, he said.

Here is the Superintendent's statement:

"As a superintendent, as a parent, this is the most difficult communication I will ever have to make. A 2016 Coventry High School graduate, Taylor Reilly, passed away yesterday as a result of an automobile accident. Taylor's mother, Mrs. Kerri Potvin, is a 5th grade teacher at Washington Oak Elementary. Mrs. Potvin previously worked for several years at Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School. We have provided and will continue to provide additional support to students and teachers as we cope with this tragic loss. Our condolences go out to Taylor's family."

The Patch will update the story as information is available. Mike Carraggi contributed to this report. Photo courtesy of Mark Livingston via Twitter