Memories of a beautiful soul: Grand Island remembers Leah Mayer

By Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

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Editor’s note: The Erie County Sheriff’s Office reported a Grand Island eighth-grader was struck and killed by a vehicle on Wednesday night at South Parkway near Broadway. The intersection of South Parkway, from Broadway to Love Road, was closed due to the crash at 9:08 p.m., according to the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating.

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Attached to Leah Mayer’s locker in Veronica Connor Middle School is a sign with handwritten notes from other students. In big letters, the sign reads, “We love you, Leah.”

And, at the intersection of South Parkway and Broadway, a memorial to Leah, who had just started eighth grade, is full of stuffed animals, plants, flowers and other mementos.

Leah Mayer, an eighth grader who died on Wednesday evening as the result of a traffic accident at that intersection, is remembered as a “sweet girl” and a “beautiful soul.”

Angela Gorecki Hamilton, who was Leah’s fourth grade reading teacher at Kaegebein Elementary School, said, “She was such a kind, sweet girl, absolutely. She really knew when someone needed a friend and was a definite bright light in this world.

“There was one other student from her class in our reading group, and they always had fun banter back and forth. They were quite a pair and always made our time together energetic, fun, and full of great questions and learning. Leah was very kind and compassionate and an amazing friend as well. Our entire reading team had her through the years and we are all devastated.”

In a Facebook post, Hamilton said, “She was one of my students the first year I moved over to Kaegebein (from Huth Road Elementary School). It was during COVID, so I didn't get to see her face for most of the year with masks. I remember towards the end of the year, when restrictions were lifted, I was happy to see her adorable little face. She was so smart, spunky and understood sarcasm and jokes, and she was so kind and compassionate. Absolutely devastating!”

Leah’s classmates at the middle school also remembered her with fondness. A sign on the wall read, “Dear Leah, We hope you are in a better place. We will miss you. We love you. You were so nice to everyone since the beginning. You always thought about others.

“We love you, fly high.”

Hamilton said the response from the Grand Island Central School District “has been wonderful! (Superintendent Dr. Brian) Graham has kept us informed every step of the way. Our school psychologists, social workers and counselors have been amazing and supportive, and are there to talk to us or just give us a safe space to be together. Teachers and administration from other buildings have been reaching out in support and to see if there is anything we need. Our Grand Island community is truly a family and comes together and rallies around each other in times of need.”

Hamilton mentioned Felicia Pallaci, former principal of Kaegebein Elementary School, who is now principal of Veronica Connor Middle School.

“My heart goes out to Dr. Pallaci, as she is in her first official week as the middle school principal during such a devastating time,” Hamilton said. “Her strong leadership and compassion will help the faculty, students and staff at VCMS tremendously.”

Hamilton also mentioned the interim principal of Kaegebein Elementary School.

“Our interim principal, Ann Logel, has also been fantastic,” Hamilton said. “She pulled us all together this morning and made us feel seen, heard, and cared for. She was checking in on students and teachers all day, making sure that everyone had what they needed. She made sure that everyone had her cell phone number and assured us that nothing was too small and to reach out for anything in the coming days.”

In one of several messages that appeared on Facebook on Wednesday, Graham wrote, “At this time, we are focused on providing emotional support and counseling services for our students, faculty, administrators and staff. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring that we protect the dignity of the student involved and create space for healing.

“Please remind your children that if they are struggling with grief or emotional distress, they can reach out to our school counselors, social workers, school psychologists and principals for help. We are here to offer any support that is needed. Additionally, our high school and middle school libraries have been transformed into grief support centers and many of our students are benefitting from this opportunity.

“Our hearts go out to the student's family, friends, and all those touched by this terrible loss. As a close-knit community, we share in the profound sorrow that comes with such a tragedy, and we stand together in offering our support and care.”

After receiving permission from the family to identify Leah as the child who lost her life in the accident, Graham wrote, “We mourn the loss of Leah Mayer, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of many in our community. Her parents, Amy and Adam, are heartbroken, as we all are, and have asked that we remember Leah for the incredible light she brought to those around her.

“Leah was selfless, a loyal friend, and a constant source of positivity. Her energy seemed to glow from within, and she was known as a ‘voice’ for others, always ready to stand up and support those around her. Her presence will be missed dearly, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.”

In a few posts on Facebook, both in the Grand Ideas for Grand Island page and the Grander Ideas for Grand Island page, families were asked to exercise caution when placing mementos at the memorial at the intersection of South Parkway and Broadway. One poster said, “If you do go leave something... don't park in the street or on the parkway. Many folks were when we took the girls. It was dangerous as folks driving past were distracted by the flowers and cars parked at weird angles at the mouth of Broadway. There is a parking lot for the temp ice rink about 100 feet down Broadway on the left... that is a much safer place to park and walk in the grass to the memorial.”

The Erie County Sheriff’s office, who was the first responder to the scene, followed by the Grand Island Fire Co. and ambulance crews, said in a press release, “Sheriff Garcia and every in the Erie County Sheriff’s office extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the victim.”