JENKS, Okla. -- The Jenks community is mourning the loss of a high school student.
Avery Shannon died Friday in an ATV accident. The 17-year-old is now remembered for her ability to make anyone in her life smile, and the endless love she had to give.
"She was always dancing around. She truly loved life and she made the people around her love life. She was thoughtful, and she was kind," Jenks varsity pom coach Kristin Phibbs said.
Now there's an absence in Avery's community.
"She was a great friend. She loved her friends, she loved and adored her family. She left a huge impact on the lives that she touched, and there were many," Phibbs said.
Since Friday, Jenks has hosted prayer services across town, and grief counselors spoke Tuesday with students.
"It's really difficult on the kids. I think this kind of death or tragedy, sudden tragedy, is difficult for anyone. But for kids their age it's just not something they're supposed to deal with at this point in their lives," Phibbs said.
The varsity pom coach has known Avery for three years, and watched her become confident with the ability to lead. Phibbs said the team will always remember their classmate's character.
"Who Avery is, who avery was as a person and how would she respond in this instance? We try to focus on the love that we have for her and the love that she had for them," she said.
There's now a GoFundMeaccount to help the Shannon family. In just two days, it's raised almost $47,000.
