Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Kevin Le, a junior at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, died Sept. 17 from injuries he suffered after being hit by a car Sept. 8 in Fairfield.

A special Mass was celebrated at the school Sept. 18, followed by a moment of silence at that evening’s football game. Students were encouraged to share stories about Le during the school day, and counselors were available for students and faculty.

“This is a very difficult blow to absorb,” said St. X principal David Mueller. “Kevin was a very good young man and an asset to our community in many ways. We will miss him greatly, remember him fondly, pray for him deeply.”

Police reports show that Portia Hudson, 58, of Hamilton failed to stop at a red light while driving on Route 4 and struck Le while he was in an intersection. She has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and disobeying a traffic device and is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 30.

Le, an honors student, was a member of the X Men and Something Blue choruses and the wrestling team. The family attends St. Michael Parish in Sharonville.

“This is a difficult and devastating time, something we’ve fortunately not endured for well over a decade, said Mark Motz, director of public information for the school. “We’re fortunate to be a community of faith and one who follows St. Ignatius’ practice of seeking God in all things, even those things we don’t like. We take some comfort in knowing we are all children of God.”

“We are deeply saddened by this loss of a bright young man in the springtime of his life,” said Jesuit Father Tim Howe, president of St. Xavier. “Our first and best thoughts are prayers for Kevin and his family. It’s hard to comprehend a tragedy like this, but our hope and our faith point to the Resurrection.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Xavier on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Le is survived by his mother, Diane, and brothers Bryan, Phillip and David.