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Galesburg Students Honor Their Own

T.J. Carson
Galesburg High School student Austyn White speaks about his friends Kalee Pringle and Kylie Allen during a memorial for the pair at the high school's library.

Stories of turkey tacos, dancing, and long runs on a stomach full of Oreos were shared during a memorial service for two Galesburg High School students.

17-year-old Kalee Pringle and 15-year-old Kylie Allen died in a car crash during the early morning hours of August 29. Their friend, Kylee Wehrly, said the mood at school in the week after the crash was depressing.

“Lots of people crying, not in class. I haven’t really been here. There’s a lot of people missing for the funeral and memorials and visitations. So people are down,” Wehrly said.

That led Wehrly to organize a memorial service in the high school library with another close friend of the pair, Austyn White. Around 40 people attended the after-school service on Friday.

Music played and slideshows displayed photos of Pringle and Allen.  There were moments of laughter, as well as tears shed, while memories were shared. White said the service was one thing they could do to help people heal from the loss. 

“I believe speaking helps bring out your emotions and helps you deal with things,” White said.

Those who spoke during the service included students and family members. The parents for Pringle and Allen attended the ceremony.

Kylie Allen’s father, Paul Brechbuhler, said he was moved by the ceremony and honored that the students would support the families. He also urged everyone to cherish each moment together.

“Hug your kids. Tell them you love them,” Brechbuhler said.