New London student killed in car crash

NEW LONDON – As the New London Community School District’s homecoming activities came to a close on Friday, September 27, a car accident near East Adams and East Cleveland streets claimed the life of 16-year-old New London High School student Gavin Browning and injured 16-year-old NLHS student Graden Weber.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., New London police and fire departments responded to the accident, along with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, coroner and Iowa State Patrol.

According to the Iowa State Patrol accident report, 17-year-old Owen Neff was traveling east on Cleveland Street when, for unknown reasons, he abruptly turned onto Adams Street, causing Browning and Weber to be thrown from the bed of the truck . Browning was transported from the scene by a funeral home while Henry County EMS transported Weber to Southeast Iowa Regional Health Center.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the tragic death of one of our high school students, Gavin Browning,” NLCSD said in a letter to parents, students, staff and the community. “This loss is a heartbreaking event for our entire community.”

In light of this tragedy, NLCSD recognizes the difficulties of coping with the sudden loss of a young life. NLCSD recognizes that Browning’s family, friends, teachers, classmates and community may be experiencing a variety of emotions, including shock, sadness and confusion, but they encourage everyone to come together during this difficult time.

The New London community did just that Sunday evening when an estimated 300 people filled the front yard of New London High School for a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of Browning. The New London Jet Stop closed its doors for the duration of the vigil, allowing employees to attend as Browning had recently started working at the facility. Family, friends and community members submitted photos of Browning to display at the vigil, and Superintendent Chad Wahls and Browning’s grandparents spoke at the somber event.

Wahls describes Browning as “a boy who could instantly put a smile on anyone’s face with his fun sense of humor.”

“I got to know Gavin on a different level a few summers ago when he helped build the new playground at Clark Elementary,” Wahls wrote on Facebook, remembering the young man. “I will remember our conversations and the laughter we had while completing this project. Gavin was loved by his family, friends, classmates, co-workers and many others. My condolences go out to the family and everyone who knew him. I am grateful for the opportunity to laugh a lot and create beautiful memories together!”

“He was a treasured teenager,” said his grandfather Nicholas Kieler. “My wife, I and the whole family are incredibly sad and have a heavy heart. He was our fishing and camping buddy and good friend who had a big smile and loved to give us hugs.”

“The city is definitely shaken,” said Ray Vens of New London, who attended the vigil.

Given the impact of a tragedy such as this, NLCSD will deploy a crisis response team to support students.

“Starting Monday morning, counselors from our school, as well as local churches and counselors from the neighboring school district, will be available to help students process their emotions and provide them with guidance,” the NLCSD letter to the community said. “We encourage you to talk to your child about their feelings and remind them that it is okay to grieve and seek support. If there are any specific concerns or additional information that you feel the school should be aware of, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

In addition to school districts making their counselors available to support the New London community during this time of need, many have chosen additional ways to show their care. The Mt. Pleasant Community School District changed its homecoming spirit dress-up day from tropical to black and yellow, NLCSD’s school colors, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in honor of Browning. Mediapolis, Danville, Wapello, Edward Stone, WACO, Burlington and West Burlington also asked students and staff to dress in black and yellow to show their support on Monday, Sept. 30.

Van Buren and Winfield Mt. Union Township school districts asked their students to wear black and gold to school Tuesday in honor of Browning. WMU also encouraged fans who attended Tuesday night’s volleyball game to fill the stands in black or yellow. Additionally, the volleyball team is asking for donations from the community to host a bake sale in the lobby during the game to raise funds for Browning’s family.

Gina Anderson and Virginia Ekstrand of the New London Journal contributed to this report.

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