Students and staff at Vineland Elementary School are among those mourning the death of sixth-grader Isabella “Bella” Benoist, 11, of De Soto, who died after an ATV accident Sunday morning (Dec. 6).
“She was a star student and very beloved by many kids and staff,” Vineland principal Adam Grindstaff said.
The accident happened in the 12900 block of Coon Club Lane, just off Hwy. H in unincorporated De Soto, De Soto Rural Fire Chief Paul Mayer said.
His district received a call at 8:33 a.m. about the accident and assisted Valle Ambulance District personnel at the scene. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Capt. Ron Arnhart of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Bella was driving a 2009 Polaris Ranger 800 side-by-side and her older brother was a passenger.
“Neither was wearing their seat belt or a helmet,” he said. “They drove off the side of the roadway, overturned and both were ejected.”
Bella was transported by helicopter to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mayer said.
She later died of her injuries, Arnhart said.
“It’s very sad,” he said.
“Her brother either had no injuries or minor injuries and was not transported,” Arnhart said.
Bella was involved in school activities, Grindstaff said.
“She was a great student and helped with any kind of community project,” he said.
Bella was a member of the Dragonettes dance team, Vineland’s student council and Grindstaff’s Germ Force, a group that cleans the campus at the school.
“She liked that,” Grindstaff said.
Grindstaff said counselors were on hand Monday to talk with students.
“Everyone has worked to support the students,” he said.
The student council placed a donation basket in the school office to raise money for the family, Grindstaff said, adding that students planned to hold a candlelight vigil Wednesday night at Vineland.
“This gives the kids a chance to pay their respects,” he said. “The kids wanted this. Bella was part of our lives.”
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., De Soto. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Although the family lists Isabella Benoist as the child’s name, Arnhart said the accident report lists her as Isabelle Petri.