Our Opinion: Summer marred by twin set of tragedies

It's the time of the year in Jefferson City when the thermometer quickly rises and the city slows down. School kids are playing in the streets, families are taking vacations. It's supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment.

Unfortunately, it's also been a summer marred by tragedies. In just the past few days, the Capital City has been hit by a twin set of tragedies.

On Friday, we reported that Jacob Foster, 18, and Dantonio McClain, 17, were found dead in the Moreau River on Thursday, the victims of drowning.

The pair had not been heard from by family members since late Wednesday afternoon, when they were in the area of the 5900 block of Algoa Road, where a railroad bridge over the Moreau River is located. Police said the area around the bridge is a gathering point for youth who sometimes jump off the bridge.

Foster was about to start his senior year at Jefferson City High School. McClain was a former student in the local public schools and a current resident of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

On Sunday, we reported that carbon monoxide poisoning killed one local man and left two members of his family in critical condition. Troy Feltrop, 51, was found dead at his residence on Sandra Lane at about 7:10 a.m. Saturday. His wife, Lisa, 44, and their 14-year-old daughter were taken to area hospitals in critical condition. Lisa Feltrop died Monday.

Detectives determined that a vehicle was accidentally left running inside the family's garage overnight, causing the house to fill with carbon monoxide. Kyle Feltrop, the son of Troy and Lisa Feltrop, attends Helias Catholic High School, which held a Saturday prayer service in its chapel for the family.

In a Facebook post, the school said: "Please keep this family in your prayers."

Both Helias and Jefferson City High School have made counseling available for students. A GoFundMe page has been set up to benefit the Feltrop family. Already, it is nearing its $25,000 goal.

We commend these caring actions, and we're confident there are many more instances of compassion that are going unheralded.

The lives of these two families will never be the same. It's during such times that we need to come together as a community to console these families, which, at least right now, may seem inconsolable.