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Knoch High mourns death of classmate

The South Butler County School District has counselors available for students and teachers grieving the loss of Knoch High School senior Robert Kotchey, 17, of Winfield Township, who was killed Saturday in an ATV accident in Indiana County.

No details regarding the accident were available Monday.

A gofundme.com account was set up almost immediately to help the family.

The account, which had initially attempted to raise $5,000, saw almost $10,000 in donations as of Monday at 3 p.m.

According to his Butler Eagle obituary, Robert enjoyed many outdoor activities, participated in the welding program at Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, and had a large circle of friends.

David Foley, South Butler superintendent, issued a news release Monday regarding the loss. The news release did not name Robert.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the student's family, friends and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous personal loss,” Foley said.

He said extra help from the Center for Community Resources is available to all students as they deal with the loss of their young classmate.

“This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions from our students,” Foley said. “Counselors will be available to meet with any student or staff member who needs support.”

Foley said parents can call his office, Todd Trofimuk, high school principal, or Greg Hajek, director of special services, with specific concerns for their students.

Friends of Robert James Kotchey will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home in Saxonburg.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at New Life Christian Ministries, also in Saxonburg.

FB: Knoch High School lost one of it's students after an ATV accident killed senior Robert Kotchey Saturday.

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