Names of 2 girls killed in ATV crash over the weekend released

Washington County authorities have identified the two 10-year-old girls who were killed in an ATV crash Saturday evening in Afton.

Their names are Alexis “Lexi” Marie Gibson, from Mahtomedi, and Savanna Lee Koeckeritz, from Afton.

Both girls were students in the 4th/5th grade class at New Heights School in Stillwater.

Principal Tom Kearney released the following statement on behalf of the school:

“The New Heights School community is mourning the tragic loss of Alexis “Lexi” Gibson and Savanna Koeckeritz. Both girls have been enrolled at our school together since kindergarten and were members of the 4th/5th grade classroom. Lexi and Savanna were both good students and friends to many throughout the school, but especially to those in their classroom. This tragedy has left a giant hole in our school community and our students, staff, and administration are doing everything we can to support the families of Lexi and Savanna. We ask that appropriate space and time are provided as the victims’ families, friends, and school community mourn the untimely and unimaginable loss of these precious young girls. They will be long-remembered as members of the New Heights Community!”

3 children killed in 2 ATV crashes this weekend

3 children killed in 2 ATV crashes this weekend

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Two 10-year-old girls were killed in an ATV crash Saturday evening in Afton, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 5 p.m., first responders were called to the 1000 block of Neal Avenue S. on a report of two juveniles trapped under an ATV. Despite lifesaving efforts, both girls were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The childrens’ families have been notified, and the accident is under investigation.