News article #7

Youngster dead in horrible car crash

Date lives to tell the story

By Jonathan Wäng
Torsbergsgymnasiet, Bollnäs

Student, Ward Stradlater and girlfriend, Jane Gallagher, were on their way home from the movie theatre last Friday night when the wet and slippery road forced them off a cliff. Ward died instantly but Jane is now lying at Pennsylvania hospital, being treated for serious injuries. Although she is tired and still shaken by the incident, she is ready to share their story.

Ward Stradlater, a senior at Pencey prep. School in Agerstown, Pennsylvania, had taken his date to the movies in Agerstown and they were just on their way back home when he lost control of the car in the slippery weather. They slid of a cliff and fell approximately 30ft before hitting the rocky ground.

“When I woke up gain, Ward was lying there, all bloody, not responding to anything I said or did.” A snivelling Jane recalls.
According to the ambulance staff Mr Stradlater probably died at the impact.
“I didn’t do too badly actually. A broken arm and two broken ribs, a number of cuts and bruises, but at least it won’t affect my dancing all too much.” Ms Gallagher points out. She practises ballet and takes it all very seriously.
“I practise two hours every day, no matter what.” Jane smiles proudly. “Well fine, this might make me skip a few hours.” She continues laughing.
Jane smiles a lot of the time through the conversation and you can easily tell how full of life she normally is. But there is also a tear in the eye most of the time, a tear which obviously represents the death of a fine young man.
“I wouldn’t say I loved him or anything, we had only just started going out. But it’s a terrible loss and I know I’ll miss him a lot.” Ms Gallagher says with tear gently rolling down her cheeks.

Ward Stradlater was a very athletic young man who liked to stay in shape. He was also very handsome and attractive, and Ms Gallagher was not the only girl that would like to go out with him.
“It is a pity that someone so promising had to leave us so soon.” His principal, Dr Thurmer replies.
“You know, he was one of the men that could really make it in life. But then again, we have a lot of them here at Pencey preparation school.”
The loss of Mr Stradlater will affect many. But if we see it from the bright side, Jane Gallagher still lives. It could have been much worse.