Two MLC students killed in car crash
POSTED: May 18, 2009
EAGLE LAKE, Wis. - Two Martin Luther College students have died after a Sunday afternoon autmobile crash near Eagle Lake, Wis.
Zachary Moyle and Ryan Zweifel, both 19, both from Lake Mills, Wis., were involved in a crash in Vilas County, Wis., on Sunday, Moyle was pronounced dead at the scene. Zweifel died Monday as a result of his injuries.
According to a report in the Daily Jefferson County Union, Fort Atkinson, Wis., the Vilas County Sherifr's Department received a report of a one-vehicle crash at 3:20 p.m. Sunday on Military Road in the Town of Washington. Preliminary investigations indicate that a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling south on Military Road at a high rate of speed when the vehicle left the roadway, entered the west ditch in a curve, overturned and struck a tree.
Moyle was driving the car. Zweifel was pulled from the vehicle and transported to Eagle River Memorial Hospital. He was later flown to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
The two were 2008 gradudates of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills.
Lakeside Lutheran High School Principal James Grasby, said Sunday that Moyle was a one of the Class of 2008's valedictorians.
"He was an excellent kid," Grasby said. "The high grades say one thing, but he was also a person who showed two very good characteristics. That was common sense and, at the same time, compassion. He was a real compassionate kind of a person, concerned about other people."
Moyle was attending Martin Luther College in New Ulm, preparing to become a minister. Zweifel was an Education students, majoring in Secondary Social Studies. MLC held its graduation ceremonies on Saturday, and students have already left the campus.
Martin Luther College President Mark Zarling, issued the following statement:
"The apostle Paul urges Christians to 'mourn with those who mourn.' (Ro. 12:15b)," said Zarling. "No matter how scattered we might be at this time, each member of the MLC community cries with the families in this painful trial. But through our tears we also hear the apostle remind us not to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep! (1 Thess. 4:13-14) This message of victory in Christ Jesus is the message that God graciously allowed Zach and Ryan to believe. By the Spirit's grace they also sought to share that message with others and so came to MLC to prepare for ministry.
"Our dear brothers, Zach and Ryan, were and remain close friends. Their friendship is now perfected in glory as they together enjoy the fellowship of their dearest Friend Jesus in the glory of his presence.
"We are comforted that Zach and Ryan now abide in the Savior's arms in glory. May the Moyle family and the Zweifel family find their solace in the Savior's word. Jesus proclaims, "Because I live, you also will live."
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson.
***
GJ - I am sure all the readers join me in wishing both extended families and the MLC community the comfort and peace of the Risen Christ, His promise of forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life.
One grief reaction is anger. I saw that in the response about needless teen accidents. Anyone who has known a case like this, especially the medical and emergency people, may exhibit more anger than sadness, but it is the same sorrow.
People have said how sad it is that my wife and I lost two children to a mysterious disorder. But it is far more difficult to lose someone to an accident, where everyone can think, "If only I had...." An accidental loss is a terrible burden to bear, even with the Gospel of Christ as our shield against the fiery darts of Satan. Luther said he was quick with words until he lost a child - then he was weak with grief.
So we grieve with those who grieve and hope than this example will make us all more mindful of our faults in driving.
