Students and faculty at E.B. Frink Middle School mourned the passing of a beloved colleague, coach and friend on Thursday.

Casey Lewis, a second-year guidance counselor and head volleyball coach, died Wednesday afternoon in a car accident.

Frink Middle School Principal Elizabeth Pierce described Lewis as "a really great young lady."

Pierce said the students have been resilient, and that the staff - along with Lenoir County Public Schools - has gone above and beyond handling the heart breaking incident. Counselors and social workers were on campus during the day to speak with students and faculty members, and to address their needs.

"I think everyone is doing really well considering," Pierce said. "It's been as much of a normal day as we could possibly have. We're just here for each other and we're a family."

Brent Williams, superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools, said the sudden loss shocked and saddened the tight-knit school.

"As a school counselor, volleyball coach and advisor to numerous clubs and activities for the past two years, Casey worked tirelessly to ensure the success and well-being of our students," Williams said in a written statement.

"On behalf of the Lenoir County Public Schools family, I offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Casey Lewis in this difficult time."

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.