Community Stepping Up To Honor Late High School Star Swimmer Who ‘Aspired To Swim In The Olympics’ And Her Father After A Tragic Reported Fatal Car Crash
A family and community in Illinois has gone through the unthinkable. Tragedy struck a Hinsdale Central High School sophomore student and her father passed away after a horrifying car crash on December 15 according to The Chicago Tribune.
The Chicago Tribune reported that “Kendall, a star swimmer, and her father were killed when the vehicle in which they were traveling went off an interstate highway in North Carolina and crashed into a tree”.
“Our (Hinsdale Central High School) family is mourning the tragic passing of Kendall Pickering and her father Robert,” Hinsdale Central HS said in a Tweet. “Kendall was an outstanding swimmer, student, teammate & friend who left an indelible mark on all of us. Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and all who came in contact with her.”
Kendall “aspired to swim in the Olympics one day. She was an Illinois state finalist, and broke records in the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM” per a GoFundMe that was set up in honor of Kendall and to help her family out through this tragedy.
The obituary of Kendall in The Chicago Tribune states: “Kendall was a very loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend, teammate, and decorated student-athlete. She excelled both in the classroom and in the swimming pool. Her family and friends described her as a compassionate and encouraging individual that always brought out the best in those around her. She was known for her infectious smile and being mature well beyond her years”.
The Village of Hinsdale is just twenty miles west of downtown Chicago, yet seemingly people from all over are pouring in their support to the Pickering family.
If you’d like to help Kendall’s family out, you can do so in this manner as stated in the obituary of Kendall:
“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kendall Pickering Legacy Fund, c/o Timothy Theriault, 3624 Salt Creek Circle, Oak Brook, IL 60523 or venmo @kendallpickeringLF”
Here’s the GoFund Me that was started in honor of Kendall to help the Pickering’s out during this utmost difficult and tragic time:
More than $50,000 was raised.
“We were devastated and saddened by the news of AA flight attendant, Kim Pickering’s 15 year old daughter Kendall, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident December 15, 2020, in North Carolina, along with her father. Kendall Pickering was an avid swimmer at Hinsdale Central, who aspired to swim in the Olympics one day. She was an Illinois state finalist, and broke records in the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM. Kim was so proud of both daughters, Kendall & Taylor! Please find it in your heart to help with any donation for Kim, Taylor and loving daughter Kendall.”
GoFundMe description
Hinsdale Central principal William Walsh issued the following statement per The Chicago Tribune:
“It is with deep and profound sadness that I inform you of the tragic passing of Kendall Pickering and her father Robert. Kendall was a beloved member of our school community whose strong work ethic, tireless dedication and passionate leadership helped her shine in the classroom and excel in the pool. Most importantly, she was a wonderful student, classmate, teammate and friend who left an indelible mark on all of us. We will miss her terribly, and always remember her with great fondness and affection.”
William Walsh, Hinsdale Central HS principal per The Chicago Tribune
In the obituary of Kendall, it stated that a Celebration of Life would “announced when restrictions have been lifted”. You can also plant trees in memory of Kendall.
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