The death of one student and hospitalization of another has silenced hallways at Pontiac Township High School. Ali R. Arbogast, 16, of Pontiac, died Saturday morning after the car she was riding in struck another vehicle.

The driver, Kasey L. Branscum, 16 of Pontiac, is receiving treatment for her injuries and is listed in fair condition at a Peoria hospital.

Students will be allowed to attend Arbogast's funeral, which is Tuesday.

"The halls are very quiet," said Superintendent Harlen "Butch" Cotter. "Ali touched so many lives. A lot of our boys and girls are struggling right now. We hope Kasey recovers, and we'll help her get through this."

Both of the girls are juniors at the high school.

Livingston County Sheriff's police said Branscum was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro west on Livingston County Road 2400 North when she failed to stop at the intersection with 2150 East.

The car "T-boned" a 2001 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck driven by Michael E. Lange, 56, of Fairbury. Arbogast was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene about 9:30 a.m., police said.

Police were not sure why the girls were in the area, which is about two miles south of Odell. Authorities are investigating if alcohol played a factor in the accident.

Branscum was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Lange was treated at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac and released.

All activities at the high school were cancelled Monday and Tuesday. Counselors were on hand Monday to speak with students.

"We are focusing on the needs of our students," Cotter said. "We are a very close-knit community. We are going to join hands and grieve. We'll get through this together."

Cotter complimented coaches and teachers who helped bring the football team and cheerleaders back to the high school after learning of the accident on Saturday. The team was about an hour away from Pontiac on their way to Herrin, in southern Illinois, when the bus was turned around.

The game was cancelled and may not be rescheduled.