SELINSGROVE -- Students in the Selinsgrove Area School District are dealing with the sudden death of a student.
Even though school is not in session, the front lot at Selinsgrove Area Middle School was filled with cars. The school's library opened so students could speak with counselors about the death of one of their classmates, Alyssa Dressler, 14, of Selinsgrove.
According to the Northumberland County coroner, Alyssa died at Sunbury Community Hospital Tuesday evening. The coroner believes she died after choking at her home.
"She always, always could make you smile and make you laugh. When we traveled long distances together she was the life of the back seat, by all means," Linette Landis said.
Friends say Alyssa's biggest passion in life was riding horses and it's something she did several times a week.
"She loved horses and barrel racing," Linette said.
Linette Landis was Alyssa's first riding instructor at JKNL Stables near Middleburg. She says Alyssa rode there at least three times a week and kept her beloved horse Eagle there.
Landis' daughter and Alyssa shared a special bond.
"She could always put a smile on your face no matter how bad the moment was she could always make you feel better," Karissa Landis said.
In fact, Karissa and Alyssa were preparing to compete in the "National Barrel Horse Association Youth World Championships" this weekend in Georgia. The Landis family says their first thought was not to go, but say Alyssa's family told them she would have wanted them to compete.
"My daughter has a goal in mind and it's to bring home a world championship in Alyssa's honor. How special would that be? It would be really special," Linette said.
Services for Alyssa Dressler will be held at Selinsgrove Church of the Nazarene. The viewing is Friday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and the funeral is Saturday at 11 a.m.
