A tragedy across the water has captured the attention of the entire region.

Everybody was heartbroken to learn of the deaths of three 16-year-olds who were students at Tabb High School in York County. They died in a tragic car crash on Saturday, on the evening of their homecoming dance.

The loss is devastating for all of their teammates and classmates who are suffering the deaths of three friends at the same time, at such a young age. It is overwhelming to the closely knit school community and the sports community. And of course it is shattering to their families, who are going through the worst thing any parent, grandparent or sibling will ever have to face — something none of them should ever have to face.

Though nothing can replace these three young lives, some small measure of comfort may be derived from the show of support from far and wide. Other schools in the York County School Division are doing all they can for Tabb, but support has come even from our side of the water.

Many of Suffolk’s schools posted messages of support Monday and Tuesday. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy posted a photo of a large number of students and staff wearing white in support, with a few splashes of Tiger orange thrown in. Lakeland High School posted an orange graphic reading, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tabb High School as they grieve the loss of lives on Saturday, October 26, 2019.” Nansemond River High School also posted a graphic and wrote “Sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Tabb High School community.”

York County really isn’t that far away from Suffolk, and several of Suffolk’s public school sports teams have matched up with Tabb in recent years, especially in regional tournaments. Even so, the unimaginable grief of the community can be felt by anyone, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone in York County also.