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NEW LONDON — As New London Community School District’s homecoming activities came to an end Friday, Sept. 27 a vehicle accident near East Adams and East Cleveland streets claimed the life of 16-year-old New London High School Student Gavin Browning and injured 16-year-old NLHS student Graden Weber.
Shortly after 11:30 p.m., New London police and fire departments along with Henry County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical services, the medical examiner investigator, and Iowa State Patrol responded to the accident.
According to the Iowa State Patrol crash report, 17-year-old Owen Neff was traveling eastbound on Cleveland Street when, for unknown reasons, he took an abrupt turn down Adams Street resulting in Browning and Weber being thrown from the truck bed. Browning was transported from the scene by a funeral home, while Henry County EMS transported Weber to Southeast Iowa Regional Health Center.
“It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the tragic passing of one of our high school students, Gavin Browning,” NLCSD shared in a letter to parents, students, staff, and the community. “This loss is a heart-wrenching event for our entire community.”
In light of this tragedy, NLCSD acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the sudden loss of a young life. NLCSD recognizes Browning’s family, friends, teachers, classmates and community may experience a variety of emotions including shock, sadness, and confusion, but they encourage everyone to come together in this difficult time.
The New London Community did just that Sunday night as an estimated 300 people filled New London High School’s front lawn for a candlelight vigil to honor and remember Browning. The New London Jet Stop closed their doors for the duration of the vigil so employees could also attend as Browning had just recently began working at the establishment. Family, friends, and community members submitted photos of Browning to display at the vigil, and Superintendent Chad Wahls and Browning’s grandparents spoke at the somber event.
Wahls describes Browning as, “a kid that could put a smile on someone’s face instantly with his funny sense of humor.”
“I got to know Gavin at a different level a few summers ago when he helped build the new playground at Clark Elementary,” Wahls posted to Facebook, remembering the young man. “I will remember our conversations and the laughs that we had while completing this project. Gavin was loved by his family, friends, classmates, staff and so many more. My heart goes out to the family and all who knew him. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have shared some good laughs together and make some fun memories!”
“He was a treasured teenage boy,” his grandfather Nicholas Kieler said. “My wife and I and entire family are immensely saddened and with heavy hearts. He was our fishing, camping and good friend who had a wide big smile and loved to give hugs.”
“The town is definitely shaken,” said New London resident Ray Vens, who attended the vigil.
Considering the impact of a tragedy like this, the NLCSD will offer a Crisis Response Team to provide support for students.
“Starting Monday morning, counselors from our school, as well as local churches and neighboring school district counselors, will be available to help students process their feelings and offer guidance,” the NLCSD letter to the community states. “We encourage you to talk with your child about their feelings and remind them that it’s OK to grieve and seek support. If there are specific concerns or additional information that you believe the school should be aware of, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”
In addition to school districts sharing their guidance counselors to support the New London Community in this time of need, many have opted for additional ways to show they care. Mt. Pleasant Community School District changed their homecoming spirit dress up day Tuesday, Oct. 1 from tropical to Black and Yellow, NLCSD’s school colors, in honor of Browning. Mediapolis, Danville, Wapello, Edward Stone, WACO, Burlington and West Burlington also asked students and staff to dress in black and yellow to show their support on Monday, Sept. 30.
Van Buren and Winfield-Mt. Union community school districts asked their students to wear black and gold to school Tuesday in honor of Browning. WMU also challenged fans attending the volleyball game Tuesday night to pack the stands in black or yellow. Additionally, the volleyball team hosted a bake sale in the lobby during the game to raise funds for Browning’s family.
The New London Journal’s Gina Anderson and Virginia Ekstrand contributed to this report.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
