Jordan Rankin, Haverhill teen who died in crash, remembered as ‘remarkable young woman’
The multi-sport athlete — who was set to graduate from high school this spring — passed away from her injuries Tuesday.
The Haverhill community is mourning the loss of Jordan Rankin, 17, a multi-sport athlete who was set to graduate from high school this spring, according to her obituary. She passed away Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained in a two-car crash. Rankin was returning from field hockey Monday night when a pickup truck struck her sedan, WHDH reported. The Haverhill High School senior was reportedly less than a mile from home at the time. “[Evidently], she was coming from field hockey,” Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini told WHDH. “Did nothing wrong. Just a terrible tragedy.”A lifelong resident of Haverhill, Rankin attended Sacred Hearts School in Bradford through eighth grade and, upon entering freshman year, became involved in a wide variety of sports — among many other activities — including lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, and track, her obituary said. She worked at Market Basket and loved animals, especially her family’s cats.The lacrosse team — to which she had dedicated three seasons and earned the “Most Improved Player award” last spring — is remembering her as a “remarkable young woman” who was “loved by friends, teammates, coaches and teachers,” according to a statement on Twitter.“She will be truly missed,” the Haverhill girls’ lacrosse team wrote. “To the Rankin family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are here for anything you need, today, tomorrow and the days to come. Thank you for sharing your sweet Jordan with us.”
— Haverhill G Lax (@HilliesGLax) September 25, 2018
We are with you Jordan. pic.twitter.com/R1o4jduI2F
— Haverhill G Lax (@HilliesGLax) September 26, 2018
Superintendent of Schools Margaret Marotta told The Eagle-Tribune that Rankin “was a very popular girl.” In her honor, officials have arranged for a memorial candlelight ceremony to take place at the high school Wednesday night, according to Marotta.
“I hope to have the community of Haverhill and Hillie Nation join us in remembering one of our own,” Marotta wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time of loss and grief.”
A message from the Superintendent https://t.co/SbKwvjzoIL
— Haverhill Schools (@havschools) September 25, 2018
In the wake of the tragedy, the school community is also offering counseling and bereavement support to any affected by the sudden loss, according to Marotta. Grieving students were given the option to leave school Tuesday morning, with parental permission.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash, and no charges had been filed as of Wednesday afternoon, police said.
