NEWARK – In a small, tight-knit community like Newark – population a mere 887 – the death of a teenager strikes home for nearly all the students and families.

In a week when the students were to take their final exams, students at Newark Community High School are, instead, meeting with grief counselors who were brought in Saturday evening, after an NCHS student was killed in a two-vehicle accident.

Marina L. Schiltz, 16, was a passenger in a car driven by Jamie L. Hines, 18, also of Newark, when it was involved in the accident on East 30th Road in Mission Township, La Salle County.

Pauline Berggren, superintendent of Newark Community High School, said Monday the counselors were brought in on Saturday evening and were available to students on Sunday and Monday, and would continue to be there today.

“She was a well-liked student,” Berggren said of Schiltz. “She was a sophomore at the school.”

Berggren said the kids seem to be doing OK, although those closest to her are having a rough time.

“If they can take their finals this week, fine,” she said. “If not, we will arrange for them to take them later.”

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Department reported Sunday the preliminary investigation indicated that, shortly after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, the car driven by Hines attempted to pass a John Deere 544K end loader on the left.

The end loader was in the process of making a left-hand turn at the time.

Schiltz was pronounced dead on the scene, while Hines and the driver of the end loader were transported to the hospital.

Hines was ticketed for improper passing and the incident was forwarded to the La Salle County States Attorney’s office for possible additional charges.

The accident is being investigated by the La Salle County Sheriff, La Salle County State’s Attorney, and the La Salle County Coroner.

A memorial fund has been established to help the family.

Donations can be made to Castle Bank, 109 W. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560.