On Sept. 9, IUSD Superintendent Terry Walker issued the following statement on the tragic auto accident that claimed the life of Marie Elizabeth "Lizzie" Johnson, who was entering her junior year at Irvine High School.
Today, we mourn the loss of Marie Elizabeth Johnson, an Irvine High School student whose life was cut tragically short as the result of a car accident along Santiago Canyon Road. Lizzie, as she was known to friends, would have begun her junior year on Tuesday. At 16 years old, her life was just beginning, and now we are left to grieve and cope with a loss that is difficult to comprehend.To assist our students and staff, the Irvine Unified School District will dispatch additional counseling support to Irvine High for as long as there is a need. These professionals, including counselors, guidance assistants and psychologists, will specifically reach out to friends and classmates, but they will also be available to anyone who may need extra support. Additionally, Irvine High will open up a space for students who wish to speak with a counselor or share their feelings in writing.
Above all, at this difficult hour, our thoughts and prayers are with Lizzie’s family, friends and loved ones.