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The city of Winchester and Clark County is mourning the untimely passing of one of its own this week.

Ryan Phelps, a 17-year-old senior at George Rogers Clark High School, passed away over the weekend.

In a letter addressed to Clark County Public School (CCPS) families, Superintendent Dustin Howard confirmed Ryan’s passing.

“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I write to share that our CCPS community suffered a deep loss this week. Ryan Phelps, 17, a GRC senior, passed away Saturday from injuries sustained in a farm accident. We have reached out to Ryan’s family to extend condolences and offer support. They have granted permission to send this message,” Howard wrote

The Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed that Phelps was pronounced dead after being transported to Clark Regional Medical Center.

In the tragic aftermath of Phelps’ passing, the community has taken action has been taken to provide support.

CCPS announced that an account has been established at Stock Yards Bank for community members to donate toward funeral expenses for Phelps.

Donations can be made to the account titled “For the Benefit of Ryan Phelps” at any Stock Yards Location throughout Kentucky.

Stock Yards Bank & Trust locations can be found in Winchester at 1975 Bypass Road and 50 North Maple Street.

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, located at 1422 Fulton Road, will have a benefit night in Ryan’s honor on Wednesday, Dec. 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In his letter to families Howard also stressed the importance of counseling for students.

“This unspeakable tragedy has significantly affected our entire school district community, particularly our high school student body. The coming days and weeks will be extremely hard for our students. Counselors and community grief response professionals will be available as long as necessary for anyone who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss,” he wrote. “This will be a challenging time for our school community over the coming weeks and months, but please be assured that CCPS and GRC will provide whatever support is needed for as long as it is needed…the CCPS family extends our deepest condolences to the Phelps family, and to those who knew Ryan.”

According to his official obituary from Scobee Funeral Home, Phelps – described as a hardworking young man – was a member of the JROTC program and recently enlisted with the United States Marines.

Among others, he is survived by his parents, Randal Phelps and Maria Dixon, and his siblings, Katelynn Watkins and Destiny Mitchell.

Visitation for Phelps will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19th, at Central Baptist Church, located at 101 West Lexington Avenue.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec, 20th, at Central Baptist Church.