Community mourns loss of student

By Laurel Droz
Staff Writer
Flowers, a white wooden cross and a pink ribbon mark the site along Baldwin Road,between Vassar and Saginaw roads, where an accident took the life of a Goodrich High School student and the seriously injuryed others.
Kayla O’Mara, 16, was killed in a car accident on the evening of Jan. 24 that left her twin sister Kaitlin and Danielle Bila, 17, in critical condition at Genesys Regional Medical Center.
Visitation for Kayla took place from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Jan.30 and Jan. 31 at Swartz Funeral Home, G1225 W. Hill Road in Flint.
A funeral Mass was celebrated for Kayla at noon, Feb.1 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton St., Davison.
Reverend Father Andrew Czajkowski of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Pastor Karl Zeigler of the Goodrich United Methodist Church, officiated at the service.
Zeigler estimated between 1,200-1,400 people attended the funeral. Goodrich High School was closed early on Wednesday so students and staff could pay their last respects to Kayla .
‘The memorial service went really, really well,? said Zeigler. ‘Father Czajkowski did a great job. The music was wonderful, the church choir did the singing,? said Zeigler, who described the songs as being both upbeat and reflective.
‘Todd Jones? one of Kayla’s running coaches? gave a wonderful tribute and reflection,? he added.
Zeigler said one of the most touching tributes of the evening came from Kayla’s older brother, Jeff O’Mara.
Dinner at Goodrich High School followed the service. ‘School staff did a great job,? said Zeigler. They prepared almost all the food on site.?
A ‘celebration of life? is scheduled for students at 6 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Goodrich High School, 8029 Gale Road.
‘The students, in particular, are really drawing strength from each other,? said Zeigler
The accident occurred while Bila was driving westbound on the Baldwin Road. Bila lost control of the Pontiac Bonneville she was driving on the icy road and spun across the center lane, hitting an eastbound 2001 Ford pick-up truck.
The driver of the truck, a 41 year old Lapeer resident, suffered minor injuries and was later arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Both Kaitlin and Bila were reported as still being in critical condition
Donations can be made to the Kayla O’Mara Scholarship Fund at Goodrich High School, 8029 Gale Road, Goodrich, 48438.

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