The town of Concord, Vermont is mourning the deaths of a father and daughter killed in Monday night's disaster at a circus performance in Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Concord residents Robert Young, 41, and Annabelle Young, 6, were killed when the metal bones of the circus tent came careening down on the audience after a powerful blast of wind.
The circus show was presented by Walker International Events of Sarasota, Florida, which said Wednesday, "Our very deepest condolences and prayers go out to the families whose lives were affected."
New Hampshire's state fire marshal said Wednesday more than 50 other circus goers were injured and treated at area hospitals.
"The community is a wreck, truth be told," said Julie Donahue, the pre-K-8 principal in Concord, where Annabelle Young was expected to start first grade this fall.
"A wonderful family," Donahue said of the Youngs. "Both [Annabelle] and her sister are well-loved, like all the students are, and she'll really be dearly missed."
The school is helping parents in the community connect with grief counselors, who can share info on how to talk to children about tragedy. A forum for parents with mental health experts was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the school.
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Donahue also launched a GoFundMe effort to raise money for the rest of the Young family. She said donations have been pouring in.
"We're just extremely proud of the community for coming together and providing support for the Young family," Donahue added.
Richard Fisher, the chief of the fire department in this town of only about 1,200, said he is keeping the Youngs in his thoughts.
"I'm just worried about the family," Young sighed. "You never know what's going to happen; you have to make every day count."
The Young family placed a sign on their door asking for privacy, saying they're grieving. Out of respect for the family and their request for privacy, necn did not seek comment from them.
Note: earlier reports from the office of the New Hampshire state fire marshal had Annabelle Young at 8-years-old. School principal Julie Donahue consulted official school records and said she is 6 and a half.
