FCHS students host vigil for teachers killed on I-25

Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil at Fort Collins High School on Monday night, less than 72 hours after one of the school's science teachers and her husband were killed in a crash on Interstate 25.

The mourners — many of whom were FCHS students — laid flowers in a makeshift memorial at the base of the school's tower and slipped donations into a box for the couple's daughter. Then, they grabbed candles and waited for the sun to set.

One young man weaved through the crowd and offered tissues.

Genevieve Sommerveld, 30, and Jared Sommervold, 34, who taught science in Longmont were traveling south on I-25 Friday night with their young daughter strapped into a car seat in the back of their vehicle. Colorado State Patrol said Monday they were unsure why the driver veered and then over-corrected. CSP said it was unable to determine who was driving the vehicle. Both adults were thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Their daughter was not seriously injured.

FCHS students grappling with the sudden loss of their teacher decided to organize the vigil Monday. The school's student government officers and peer counselors, among others, called local churches to ask for candle donations.

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Students at other high schools, too, began to share through social media and offer support. FCHS senior and student council secretary Maddie McCambridge said the entire event was student-run and planned in the course of the school day.

Another senior and student council treasurer Denice Lastra said Genevieve Sommervold taught her chemistry class last year. Lastra served as a babysitter for the couple's daughter during an event last year as well.

"I spent tons of time with her," Lastra said. "She always had a big smile on her face."

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Although McCambridge didn't have Genevieve Sommervold as a teacher, she said she remembered the teacher's smile, too. She'd often pop her head into classrooms and joke with the teachers, McCambridge said.

McCambridge spoke briefly at the event, as well as other students and faculty members.

"We came into the (the day) thinking we needed to be there for you," Assistant Principal Jennifer Roth said to the assembled students. "You kids were so there for us. I know that energy is going out into the world."

Once students had a chance to share their memories, the school's choir led renditions of their alma mater and "Amazing Grace" as the crowd raised their candles to the sky.