Kyle Lees, a 17-year-old student from Gordon F. Kells High School in Carlyle, died following the collision in Brussels on Monday.

"You don't expect this. It's so sudden, quick and really hard for a lot of people. Even staff are finding it hard to deal with," said Maurice Saltel, principal of the school.  

Staff learned of the tragedy late Monday. Saltel explained the spring break trip to Europe was not organized through the school but seven other students were taking part in it.

No other students were injured in the collision, of which details are sketchy.

"The student was struck by a vehicle on Monday and died as a result of the injuries when they were in Brussels, Belgium," Saltel said.

He described Lees as being well-liked and having plenty of friends.

"He had a very infectious smile and he was a really kind kid," Saltel said.

Staff at the school were organizing counselling and other supports for students for when they return to classes next week. Despite the week off, Saltel said many students have been stopping by the school since learning of the tragedy.

"Especially his peer group have been pretty shocked by this so they're going through that grieving process right now. They've been meeting here and meeting at kids' houses and they've been getting together," he explained.

"They're dealing with it ... One of the best things about a small community is people understand and people are willing to help."

Saltel said school staff and community members are not only grieving but also worried about the remaining students on the tour, who are expected back on Monday.

Lori van Dam, spokesperson for EF Educational Tours, said the Carlyle group is made up of eight students and two adults. The group was to spend two nights in Amsterdam, followed by one night in Brussels, three nights in Paris and three nights in London.

The company will not comment on a specific traveller who is a minor. The itinerary had been modified in response to the group's wishes following Lees' death but van Dam said the date for the travellers' arrival back home hadn't changed.

The student council at the high school will determine the type of memorial it would like to have for Lees, said Saltel. The staff is expected to send a letter out to parents later this week regarding the funeral and any classes that students may miss next week as a result of the tragedy.