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Parker Mourns the Loss of 2nd Legend Teen

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Max Gantnier had been in the hospital since he fell into the water on Jan. 14.

He has been battling brain trauma and was taken off life support over the weekend. He passed away Monday afternoon. The Douglas County School District Crisis Team will be at Legend High School Tuesday to help anyone who needs support. You can also call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or visit www.coloradocrisisservices.org. one town one family #OneTownOneFamily Legend Strong Parker Colorado Services for Patric Lantz  will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:30am with a reception to follow at: St. Thomas More Catholic Parish 8035 South Quebec Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

Continued prayers for the families.

On Monday, a letter was sent by Principal Jason Jacob to the Legend community, saying: Dear Legend Families, This is an extremely difficult time for our Legend family and I want to keep you updated with the latest information regarding the tragic ice incident on January 14. It is with incredible sadness that I share that Max Gantnier has passed away. Max was battling brain trauma and was taken off life support over the weekend. He passed away this afternoon. As we continue to grieve, we know the Parker community is here to support the three families affected by this tragedy. The District Crisis Team will be at Legend during school tomorrow to help anyone who needs support. Legend is here for all of our students, staff and families. If you need additional support, you may call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or visit www.coloradocrisisservices.org. I also want to provide you with some helpful information as you answer the questions your child may have when dealing with this tragedy. During this period of sadness, you may notice a variety of reactions from your child. You may find your child unusually talkative or quiet. Your child may ask a lot of questions, be anxious, or may want to cling to you more than usual. You may also notice no reaction from your child. Children can experience a wide range of feelings and behaviors that are normal when dealing with this kind of tragedy. Any of these may be signs of the need for a little extra support. As parents, you are the very best support system in meeting your child’s needs. You can provide the best explanation that fits with your values and beliefs. Knowing what to say to your child is often difficult. When no other words come to mind, a hug and saying, “This is really hard for all of us,” may provide comfort. You may wish to have a family discussion to talk briefly about loss of life and to acknowledge any feelings that may surface. If you need additional guidance in discussing this situation with your child, please go to www.dcsdk12.org/intervention-and-support. I am truly saddened by this loss and know it will affect our school community, especially given all that Legend has been through this year. It is important for us to remember to lean on each other and provide help as needed. As always, thank you for your continued support. I know we will get through all of this together. Sincerely, Jason Jacob

Tragedy struck Parker last night when one of three teenage boy from Legend High School pulled from an icy pond Thursday afternoon died, Parker Police confirm.

Update: Friday January 15, 2016 from Legend High School.

Dear Legend Families,

This is a difficult time for our Legend family and I want to keep you updated with the latest information regarding yesterday’s tragic ice rescue. As was previously shared, three Legend sophomores accidentally fell through the ice of a retaining pond near Tallman Drive and Hilltop Road in Parker.

It is with incredible sadness that I share the news that Patric Lantz has passed away. Max Gantnier was airlifted and remains in the hospital, and Cole Robinson has been released from the hospital and is at home with his family.

I have been in touch with all three families to let them know that the entire Legend community is here to support them. I am also humbled by the outpouring of support shown by all of those who live in Parker and all of Douglas County.

Legend is here for all of our students, staff and families. The District Crisis Team is available to support students, staff and parents at both Legend High School and Iron Horse Elementary School until 3:00 p.m. today (Friday) and during the school day on Tuesday.

As a reminder, we do not have school on Monday due to the observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. If you need support over the long weekend, you may call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or visit coloradocrisisservices.org. 

I also want to provide you with some helpful information as you answer the questions your child may have when dealing with this tragedy. 

First, it is important to acknowledge that everyone responds to loss in a personal way as each new loss surfaces feelings from prior experiences. During this period of sadness, you may notice a variety of reactions from your child. You may find your child unusually talkative or quiet. Your child may ask a lot of questions, be anxious, or may want to cling to you more than usual. These are all signals of the need for a little extra support. You may also notice no reaction from your child. Children can experience a wide range of feelings and behaviors that are normal when dealing with this kind of tragedy. 

Finally, I often talk about how Legend is a family. This is evident every day in our hallways and classrooms. This is especially true on a day like today. Please take care of one another and know that all of us at Legend are here to support you.

Sincerely, 

Jason Jacob Principal Legend High School

“As the Parker Community has learned of the passing of a Legend High School student and the recovery efforts of two other boys, who were involved in Thursday’s ice rescue,  it is the community’s desire to come together for support and prayer.  This evening at 6 pm the Hidden River Clubhouse and surrounding park area will be open for those who wish to gather in this time of sorrow. The DCSD Crisis team is available at Iron Horse Elementary today, until 3pm and will also be present this evening at the gathering of support.”

In Christ, Doug

The incident happened near the intersection of Hilltop Road and Tallman Drive in the Hidden River neighborhood

The boy who died was underwater for more than 35 minutes before rescuers were able to pull him out. This began at 4:25 p.m. when a nearby resident called police. Parker Police spokesperson Chris Peters said officers were there within five minutes. The first officer to respond pulled one of the teens out with a tree branch. Peters says that boy was struggling but conscious, and clinging to the edge of the ice. boy pulled from icy pond in parker colorado A second teen was rescued shortly thereafter. Thirty five minutes after the initial call, the third boy was pulled from the not-quite-iced-over pond and rushed to the hospital, Peters says. Authorities confirmed he had died a few hours later. legend student dies after getting trapped under ice for 35 minutes The Hidden River neighborhood’s homeowner’s association had placed signs near the pond warning people to stay off the ice as you can see in the photo here: Stay off Ice - no wading The Douglas County School District released the following statement about the apparent accident:

“We are incredibly sad to learn of the passing of one of our students involved in Thursday’s ice rescue in Parker. The student attended Legend High School, along with the two other boys involved in the rescue. The DCSD family is keeping these boys and their families in our thoughts. We recognize this will be a very difficult time for our students, staff and families. We will have our district crisis team at Legend High School tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m. for anyone who may need support.”

We will update here with the condition of the boys and the names when they are released. We ask that everyone be respectful of the families and friends who are mourning this loss.

legendstrong

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