Mandan Strong

The Mandan community continues to express its sorrow and support for those grieving the two students who passed away from injuries in the two-vehicle crash on October 2.
Flowers, pictures and signs adorn the light pole near the intersection of West Main Avenue and Missouri Avenue in Bismarck, where the fatal crash happened around 8:35 p.m. on Oct. 2. According to preliminary reports, Cameron Schestler of Bismarck was traveling westbound on Main Ave at a high rate of speed while allegedly racing another vehicle. Schertler’s vehicle struck a Chevrolet Equinox as it was turning left onto Missouri Ave. The driver of the Equinox, a 15-year-old Mandan boy, is expected to recover. Passengers Benjamin “Ben” Moch and Taylor Fisher both passed away due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Bismarck Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision, including a complete reconstruction of the crash. The racing allegation and other investigative findings remain preliminary, and any potential charges remain under investigation.
On October 4, hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Mandan High School to allow the community to gather and grieve. After beginning the vigil with a prayer and scripture reading, students spoke about Taylor and Ben, sharing stories about their relationship as well as their personalities. The shared stories led to tears and laughter with hundreds of candles illuminating the gathering of students, school staff and community members. Health professionals and law enforcement were available to help those grieving.
The candlelight vigil was the start of the community’s response to the tragic incident.
The Mandan Public Schools said the outpouring of support from the Mandan community and surrounding areas has been incredible. Mandan students and staff have had access to additional counseling and mental health support from local and regional counseling providers as well as counselors and mental health professionals from neighboring schools and communities.
Therapy dogs were at the Mandan High School, greeting students at the front of the school. Throughout the week, Morton County Sheriff Deputy David Tomlinson brought Therapy K9 Major “Teddy” Hugz who was joined by other dogs from the Bismarck Chapter of Love on a Leash, the Killdeer and Minot Police Departments. The therapy dogs were there throughout the school day to support the teachers and students.
Both the Mandan School Board and Mandan City Commission expressed their condolences to those that were grieving.
At the beginning of the School Board meeting, Mandan Public Schools Superintendent Carly Retterath said she wanted to extend the administration’s thoughts and prayers to those families impacted by the accident. She said she is proud and grateful to be a part of the Mandan Public Schools and Mandan. She said that there are support services and counselors available at all the schools for students, staff and anyone impacted.
At the end of the City Commission meeting, the City Commission expressed their condolences and prayers to the Moch and Fisher families on behalf of the city commission, staff and the City of Mandan. Mandan Mayor James Froelich ended the commission with a prayer.
During athletic events, the Mandan athletes showed their support. Mandan girls’ golf team wore small black and white ribbons during the state tournament, made by golfer Hailey IntVeld’s mother. The Mandan girls’ golf team also had Taylor and Ben written on their golf balls used in the tournament. The Mandan girls’ cross country team had “B+T” and “Mandan Strong” written on their legs during their meet.
The Mandan volleyball team gathered with players from Bismarck Century for a prayer. The Mandan boys soccer team gathered for prayer with families and the Bismarck Century players after their game. The Mandan and Williston football players joined together at the 50-yard line and took a knee, saying the “Our Father.”
The Mandan Public Schools said in addition to the emotional support, local businesses, churches, schools, and community members have provided meals, sandwiches, snacks, water, coffee, donuts, baked goods and other treats for the staff. The school also received flowers, comfort baskets and other thoughtful gestures of support.
Cappuccino on Collins offered a soothing hot or cold beverage for a grieving teacher, friend, classmate, family member or first responder on the coffee shop as part of the pay it forward program. Cappuccino on Collins also dropped off 13 boxes of lattes and hot drip coffee for the teachers and staff at the Mandan High School in memory of Ben and Taylor. The drinks were able to be dropped off because of donations provided by people from the Mandan community as well as the communities as far as Minot and Fargo
Local businesses have showcased their support with signs on their windows. Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy has “Mandan Strong” and “Prayers for Mandan” painted in Mandan colors to show their support for the families. Medicine Shoppe owner Kenny Haugen reached out to Madelyn Monzelowsky to have her paint the windows.
Copper Dog Café also has signs at the front door of the two students who passed away as well as a picture of Mandan Strong.
The Mandan Public School said there have been so many acts of kindness that it is difficult to name everyone. They said that the students and staff have felt an incredible amount of love and support from this community and from people across the region.
A joint funeral service for the two students was held at the Mandan High School on Monday.
The Morton County News Journal and GS Publishing staff extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and classmates of Moch and Fisher during this incredibly difficult time. Our hearts are heavy with the shared profound sorrow.