HENRYETTA, Okla. — Students in Henryetta, Okla. returned to school Tuesday after learning about the tragic deaths of their classmates Monday.
While authorities haven't officially confirmed the identities of the seven people found dead, families of the victims identified them as Ivy Webster, Brittany Brewer, Rylee Allen, Michael Mayo, Tiffany Dore Guess, and Holly Guess. Families talked to 2 News about their loved ones.
School employees and community members brought in therapy dogs, mental health professionals, and faith-based clergy to try and aid their grieving.
Henryetta Public Schools released this statement before the school day started on Tuesday.
"At this time we are all grieving over the tragedy of the loss of several of our students. Our hearts are hurting, and we have considered what would be best for our students in the coming days. We will have school, and this will be an extremely difficult day.
We want to insure that all students have access to grief counseling & the support of faculty & friends. We will have mental health professionals & faith-based clergy on hand, but we understand if you feel it is more appropriate to keep your student at home. Please continue to keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you."
- Previous coverage >>> Families identify seven victims in Henryetta homicide investigation
A memorial is set up by lockers and students wrote messages to their friends.
Memorial posters are also placed at the home of each victim remembering them and honoring them.
People wrote on some of them saying things like: “We will miss you. You all didn’t deserve this.”, “Loved and never forgotten.”, and “I’ll forever be your best friend. We’ll meet again soon pretty girl.”
Some comments speak to the teen's character saying “You were sweet.”, “You were smart, kind and funny.”, and. “You were a great teammate.”
Since spending time in the town, 2 News has spoken to a few people. No one has wanted to go on camera but all said the atmosphere around town changed, especially considering Henryetta is a small community.
One woman told 2 News people have been quiet and sad when they are out and about. A man who lives nearby the property where the bodies were found said with no information on the case being released from officials, he’s fearful despite officials stating there’s no threat to the public. The man also said he used to leave his doors unlocked while home, but that’s changed.
As for the banners put up around town, 2 News spoke with the woman who created them. She said a local pastor asked for them to be made and she was happy to do it. She also said this tragedy left heavy hearts on many people in the community.
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