Students at a Cherokee County High School are coming to grips with the loss of a classmate just days before she was set to graduate.

At an age where most kids have no concept of death, seniors here at Etowah High School in Cherokee County are trying to come to grips with the loss of Shania Lucille Boettcher. She was one of two people killed Tuesday night when their SUV rolled over on I-285 near Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.

Students got the word from Principal Keith Ball at a graduation rehearsal.

“It was complete silence. Everyone was just shocked, crying,” said senior Morgan Mintz.

Lucy Boettcher will be remembered at graduation where an empty chair will be reserved in her honor. And though her name will be read as graduates receive their diplomas, she won’t walk across the stage to receive hers.