The teenager was pronounced dead at Pulaski Memorial Hospital Friday by chief deputy coroner John Behny. She had been transported to the hospital from West Central High School where she had been attending a football game.
The West Central High School community continues to grieve the student’s death. (See letter from school superintendent below)
She is the daughter of Jon K. and Sonita Y. Ysik Bretzinger of Francesville.
The coroner’s office and Francesville Police Department are conducting the investigation
A complete obituary for Shannon appears on the PulaskiPost obituary page.
West Central superintendent writes letter to the community
On Saturday, West Central Schools Superintendent Dan Zylstra released the following letter to the West Central Community:
It is with great sadness that I write this. Friday evening a high school senior from West Central passed away unexpectedly. We extend our deepest condolences to family and loved ones.
This is a weighty matter to process as a school community.
If students need assistance over the weekend, they should not hesitate to contact someone. West Central staff will be checking our emails and voicemails. In particular, we are blessed to have three gifted counselors who know our community and can be of great help. They are:
- Lindsay Hopkins - 219-567-9741- ext. 1036
- Kenley Newbauer - 219-567-9119 - ext. 1510
- Marci Kennedy - 219-567-9119 - ext. 1508
Monday, September 21 is a planned eLearning day. We will continue with this plan, and want to highlight the availability of staff at various times throughout the day if needed.
Tuesday, September 22 students will return for a regular school day. We will have extra counselors available, as well as a few local ministers for students who need to talk things through. We will have places set aside in the high school for students to process things together as peers and members of our West Central community.
We appreciate the many courageous individuals who helped Friday evening to address the situation as it developed. We now ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family as they grieve and make future plans.
Lastly, as a community of churches, we covet prayers for the family, for loved ones, comfort for all, and for the peace that passeth all understanding.
Sincerely,
Dan Zylstra, Superintendent
West Central School Corporation
