Two Circle teenagers died in an accident in Richland County early Sunday morning.

Victims of the accident were Brock Loudon, 16, and Paul Schillinger, 17. Both were students of Circle High School.

The pickup truck they were in was traveling north on County Road 328, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. The vehicle went through the intersection with Highway 201 and straight into an embankment and through a barbed wire fence before stopping in a pasture. Both males were wearing seatbelts. Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash. Members of the Circle community are grieving over the loss of students who were described as being hard working, “class-act” role models among peers.

Jason and Heidi Beery, Circle, say they were close to Loudon who worked for them during the last couple summers. They had this to say in an e-mail: “We will remember how hard-working and extremely dedicated he was at whatever he did including work, school and sports. How unselfish, responsible and patient he was. Brock was not full of many words, but with either the expression on his face or a witty remark he would make you laugh. He was a quiet leader and one for many to look up to.”

The Beerys continued, “We feel it is a privilege the special times we got to spend with Brock working during the summer, fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with his family and was an amazing son and brother. God made a special irreplaceable person when he made Brock. Brock touched us in so many ways and has taken a piece of us with him. We are proud to call Brock our friend and will miss him dearly.”

Arne Sutton, Circle, was a lifelong friend of the boys, having known them since they were little. The Circle area, he said, is in shock over the tragedy. “It just ripped a hole in everybody’s heart.” Calling it a “parent’s worst nightmare,” Sutton said Schillinger and Loudon were strong parts of their school.

“Both kids are just quality kids. Leaders in the school, and they’re really going to be deeply missed.” Sutton said both Schillinger and Loudon did well in their academics and athletics.

Sutton acknowledged that the boys made a mistake. Sometimes children can learn from it and sometimes, he said, “you just don’t get a second chance.” He asked for prayers for the families.