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Ripley Girl Dies In Bike Accident

Students at Ripley Middle School in West Virginia are mourning the loss of their classmate, Loretta McCormick, who was only 11.

She died Tuesday after hitting her head in a bicycle accident on Cunningham Road. She lost control, ran off the road and crashed into a ditch.

It was a day of tears, hugs and smiles at Ripley Middle School on Wednesday.

Counselor Susan Jones says, "It's certainly one of those days you never hope you have as a school system."

Parent Melissa Kimble says the accident didn't have to happen. They have been trying to get someone to come fix the road.

Kimble knew McCormick, who was in 4-H and friends with her daughter.

She said the stretch of road in that Kenna neighborhood is where several counties meet.

Kimble said the pavement where McCormick lost control has been an issue for years; it's located in a dangerous blind curve.

Kimble hopes McCormick's death sparks action.