Vigil Remembers Acworth Teen Killed After Tree Fell On Her

KENNESAW, GA -- The community of Harrison High School in Kennesaw mourned Monday after a sophomore died from injuries she suffered when a tree fell on her at a state park this past weekend, Patch has learned. Joelle Dalgleish of Acworth died two days after the tree snapped and collapsed on her at a campground on Friday night, according to a letter Harrison Principal Ashlynn Campbell posted on the school's website.

Joelle was at the park to celebrate the 16th birthday of a friend. She was in her hammock when the tree supporting it suddenly broke and fell.

Hundreds of students turned out for a candlelight vigil Monday night for Joelle at Harrison High's Cobleigh Stadium. Students left flowers and bouquets at a makeshift memorial featuring a statue of the high school's mascot. They also released balloons into the air, many of them with personal notes about Joelle.

Crisis teams, including grief counselors, were on hand at the school Monday to console grieving students, Campbell said in the letter. "Understanding and coping with the death of a classmate can be a very difficult experience. I hope that you will take some time to speak with your students and discuss with them their feelings and reactions to this tragedy," Campbell said.

Hoya Cross Country, which Joelle participated in, changed the cover image of its Facebook page to a picture of Joelle. On Friday, the cross country page shared with followers that the 15-year-old was involved in a freak accident. "Prayers are needed for one of our XC family. Joelle Dalgleish was seriously injured last night when a tree fell on her. She and her family and friends need your prayers and support. Joelle is a 10th grader at HHS."

The Bartow County EMS released an advisory on the incident over the weekend. "Friday night at 11:38 p.m., Bartow County EMS along with other agencies responded to a campground in Red Top Mountain park for a female that had been struck by a falling tree," the agency said.

"BCEMS arrived on the scene to find a 15-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive with trauma to the head. Bartow County EMS along with the other agencies worked quickly to move the patient safely to the ambulance."

The agency said that the crew began immediately treating the victim, who suffered "severe trauma injuries." The Bartow EMS crew and fire department personnel drove the ambulance to the hospital "so both medics could be in the back with the patient during transport to continue advanced treatment measures," the agency said.

Soon students learned more about the freak accident involving their beloved classmate and friend: A tree snapped and collapsed on Joelle at Red Top Mountain Park in Cartersville. Joelle fought for her life for two days, but passed away Sunday.

Joelle was "a generous young lady, whose smile and infectious laughter brought happiness to many students and teachers," the letter from Harrison High's principal reads.

Below is the letter in full:

With a heavy heart, I must inform you that we have unexpectedly lost a member of our Harrison family. Joelle Dalgleish, a 10th grader, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017, following a tragic accident when a tree fell on her at a campground on Friday night.
Joelle was a valued member of the Harrison community. She was on our school's cross-country team. We will remember Joelle as a generous young lady, whose smile and infectious laughter brought happiness to many students and teachers at our school. Joelle was a dedicated student and well loved by her peers and teachers.
On behalf of all members of the Harrison staff, our deepest condolences are with the Dalgleish family and friends during this difficult time. We know that Joelle’s friends and classmates will be deeply saddened, and we are prepared to help students as needed. Harrison counselors, counselors from other schools, and a crisis team from the Cobb County School District will be at Harrison on Monday. Understanding and coping with the death of a classmate can be a very difficult experience. I hope that you will take some time to speak with your students and discuss with them their feelings and reactions to this tragedy. It’s not unusual to experience a lot of different emotions during a tragedy, and there is no particular way to grieve. Just know that we are here to support all of our Hoyas. Please keep us informed if there is anything that we can do to support your student.
I know you will join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the Dalgleish family. When we receive word regarding funeral arrangements, we will share the information with you. Again, please do not hesitate to contact us if any students need additional support.
Sincerely,
Ashlynn Campbell
Harrison High School Principal

Joelle was born in Portland, Oregon, but moved to Acworth when she was 3, according to her obituary, published by West Cobb Funeral Home. Last year, she ran cross country at Harrison High. She was also active as a member of Sanctuary Church in Kennesaw.

Funeral arrangements for Joelle include a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at West Cobb Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at North Metro Church in Marietta.

Image via West Cobb Funeral Home