Obituaries
Burke Teen Killed In Crash Remembered
The Burke teen that died in Tuesday's Clifton crash was an outstanding student and athlete at Robinson Secondary School.
BURKE, VA—The Burke community is mourning the death of a 17-year-old Burke teen killed in Tuesday's crash in Clifton.
Friends and classmates held a vigil for Conner McGowan, 17, Wednesday night at Burke Community Church. He was remembered as a son, brother, friend, classmate and athlete at Robinson Secondary School.
"I’m really sad. I’ve known him most of my life," his friend Bennett Wyant told NBC Washington. "He was always one of my good friends in school. We would always, like, do homework together and right now I just can't really comprehend it. Like, I just can’t believe he’s gone."
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McGowan was an "excellent student," coach for the powder puff sports team and member of the Student Government Association and class council, according to a letter Principal Matthew Eline sent to families. He also has a sister attending Robinson.
"He was a very engaging young man, well-liked by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed by the Robinson school community," wrote Eline.
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The principal says counselors were available Thursday and Friday for students and staff needing support.
A GoFundMe account has been started to support his family. The remaining funds will be used to start a Memorial Fund in his name. McGowan will buried in New Jersey, where his family is from. His funeral services were held July 15-16.
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McGowan, the driver in the crash, died overnight at the hospital. Police say his car was heading west on Fairfax Station Road when it went off the road and hit a tree near Colewood Estates Road.
Police believe speed may have contributed to the crash but do not believe alcohol was involved.
One of the passengers remains in the hospital, and the third had non-life threatening injuries and was released from the hospital.
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Image via GoFundMe
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