McLean Youngster Killed in Boating Accident While Vacationing in Georgia

A 10-year-old student at McLean's Franklin Sherman Elementary school was killed Wednesday in an accident while vacationing with his family in Georgia.

Franklin Sherman principal Kathleen Quigley sent a note to the Franklin Sherman community Friday afternoon telling them of the death of Conor Tierney.

"Conor was a child who warmed the heart of everyone who knew him and he will be missed by us all," Quigley said her note.

Conor died after being hit by a personal watercraft on Lake Lanier in Dawson County Georgia, according to a story in the Gainsville (GA) Times.

The story said, "The Department of Natural Resources Critical Incident Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident that happened about 2:45 p.m. (Wednesday)  on the Chestatee River arm of Lake Lanier in Dawson County, DNR spokesman Rick Lavender said Thursday.

"DNR and Dawson County Emergency Services responded to a call Wednesday at a residence . . .  following a report that a juvenile had been hit by a personal watercraft while on the lake.

"Emergency personnel said Tierney was in and out of consciousness when they arrived about eight minutes after the call was dispatched.

"The victim and his 13-year-old brother, also from McLean, Va., were riding separate personal watercraft when the accident occurred, officials said.

According to Milton Keller, Dawson County Emergency Services battalion chief, the boys were in town with family visiting friends.

"From my understanding, they were both riding Jet Skis and the child got ran over by the other Jet Ski," Keller said, according to the Gainesville Times report.

"An adult and several other children saw the collision occur and were able to pull the child out of the water onto a boat dock, Keller said.

Conor was airlifted to Scottish Rite Hospital where he died from what Keller called "blood loss from internal injuries," the Times said in its story.

Franklin Sherman principal Quigley said in her note: "Some children may have heard about Conor’s death; others have not. Helping your child cope with grief can be a difficult process.   You may want to encourage your child to talk about how he or she feels and to share any fears or concerns that he or she may have as a result of hearing that a schoolmate has died.

"On Monday, July 11th, a crisis team of area psychologists and social workers will be available at Franklin Sherman Elementary School at 1:00 p.m. to assist any member of our school community who would like some additional support in coping with this terrible loss. 

"On behalf of all members of the school staff, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time," Quigley said.