Students at Abbotsford''s Rick Hansen Secondary School were stunned yesterday to learn of the deaths of two classmates.

Jessica Thrasher, 16, and Katherine McKenzie, 17, were killed instantly around 10 p.m. Sunday when their car veered off the road into a farmer''s field, struck a hydro pole and a tree, and overturned.

The accident occurred just south of the intersection of Townshipline Road and Bradner Road.

Abbotsford Staff-Sgt. Paul Briggs said the speed of the vehicle and black ice on the road may have been factors.

Police do not know whether alcohol was a factor.

"It''s a tragic moment for the families and for the school," said Abbotsford School District superintendent Des McKay.

"They were really, really solid, good kids," said assistant superintendent Steve Carlton. "What I was told by teachers and administrators is that they had good attendance and good, clean academic records.

"One of them was involved in the academic side of the school and the other was involved in all kinds of things, including the school''s dance team."

"The students were from the rural community on the west side of Abbotsford, so it''s a very tight-knit community and it''s a tight-knit group of friends."

Grief counsellors were at the school yesterday to help students.

In a Facebook entry, a friend named Dani wrote: "Jessica everyone loved you. You were the most outgoing, nicest, funniest person anyone could meet. You will always be my best friend."