Fairbanks helping students deal with grief after fatal crash

By Mac Cordell, Marysville J-T Reporter

Fairbanks school officials are working to help district students cope with the loss of a class mate.

Blake Gorton, 16, an 11th-grade student at Fairbanks High School died Saturday night as a result of a one-vehicle crash.

“Such a tragic loss affects us all,” Fairbanks High School Principal Janel Chapman wrote in a letter to parents Sunday. “In Fairbanks, we support each other, in particular during times of sadness. Over the coming days, let’s continue to take care of each other.”

District officials said they are “hurting for the Gorton family, Blake’s friends, and those connected to him.”

“This is a…

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