Fairfield grieves loss of high school senior

FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield community is reeling in the wake of the tragic passing of a high school senior.

Emmelia Dailey Miller, 18, of Fairfield, died in a car accident on the night of Saturday, Jan. 24. Family and friends are invited to share stories and remembrances of Miller from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. A church service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, also at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, with Pastor Jason Christensen officiating.

The Fairfield Community School District acknowledged Miller’s passing on its website and social media accounts Tuesday, writing, “Our school community is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our beloved students, Emmelia Miller. Words feel inadequate to express the grief many of us are experiencing. … Our hearts are with the Miller family in this difficult time.”

The district further noted that it was canceling school on Monday, Feb. 2. This school day will be made up on Friday, April 3.

Many neighboring school districts posted on their own websites and social media accounts that they were mourning the loss of Emmelia Miller, and encouraged their students to wear orange and black in her honor, Fairfield’s school colors. The accident in which Miller died also affected the Pekin Community School District because two Pekin teachers, James Lyman and Ashlyn Hotchkiss, were riding in the other vehicle and were injured in the collision. Hotchkiss was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, while Lyman’s injuries did not require transport.

A GoFundMe account set up to help Hotchkiss had raised over $8,000 from 104 donations as of Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 28.

“[Ashlyn Hotchkiss] recently experienced a serious car accident and required surgery,” the webpage reads. “She is a high school history teacher at Pekin, and wants to work hard to get back to her students as soon as possible! We’re asking for your thoughts and prayers as we all work together to help her navigate this challenging period! Your generous contributions will make a significant difference in her recovery journey. Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated and will go directly towards her medical expenses and daily needs. Thank you for standing by Ashlyn during this difficult time and for your kindness and support.”

Pekin’s girls’ basketball team wore orange and black ribbons in their hair during their game Tuesday against Hillcrest Academy. Lyman, an assistant coach on the girls’ team, was not able to attend, though the team expects him back for the Panthers’ game Friday.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com