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From the SRCS Superintendent: Tragic News Regarding Fatal Car Accident

Posted Date: 4/21/25 (5:02 PM)
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Tragic News Regarding Fatal Car Accident

Dear SRCS Community,

I am writing about a tragedy affecting our greater Marin community. You may have heard about the deeply heartbreaking news of the severe car accident this past weekend involving six students from Archie Williams High School; four students tragically died as a result of the accident, and two remain in the hospital. Our sincere condolences and sympathies go out to all their families and friends. The Tamalpais Union High School District has been sharing information with their community; below is one of their recent updates. 

We recognize that in a community such as ours, there are many connections to those involved and many of our own youth may need support. Furthermore, tragedies such as these are immensely difficult to process, and everyone responds differently. It is in these times that we do best by coming together with compassion and understanding. While some of our mental health staff are graciously supporting schools in the Tam and other nearby districts, I want to assure you that our Wellness Centers and our elementary and middle schools have services available for any student or staff member who would like to speak with someone. Here are some resources from the National Association of School Psychologists with tips and information for coping with loss and here is a guide for understanding teen grief and how to provide support. The message below also has some helpful resources. 

I know our entire SRCS community joins me in keeping the students and their families in your thoughts and sending compassion, care and support to the Tam community and all those impacted. 

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent 

April 20, 2025

Dear Tam District Community

Earlier this weekend, we shared the heartbreaking news that six Archie Williams students were involved in a severe car accident. We are heartbroken to confirm that four students tragically died as a result of the accident, and two remain in the hospital.

With consent from their families, we can share that Archie Williams students Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barclay survived the accident. Elsa remains in critical condition and Marley is stable but still in critical condition as well. Both are surrounded by the care and support of their families. 

We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of four incredible young lives: 9th grader Olive Koren, and 10th graders Josalynn Osborn, Sienna Katz, and Ada Kepley. Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel. Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, and the entire Archie Williams community as we grieve together.

This is a time of immense pain for our school and district family. Counseling and grief support services are available this week and in the weeks ahead for all students and staff across Tam District schools. We strongly encourage anyone who is struggling to seek support—no one should navigate this alone. 

In moments like these, the strength of our community is found in how we care for one another. Please continue to hold all six students, their families, and the entire Archie Williams community in your hearts as we move through this tragedy with love and compassion.

In Community,

Tara Taupier
Superintendent
Tamalpais Union High School District

Resources:

San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490