DeLainey “Lainey” Foral Car Accident: 17-Year-Old Omaha NE Student and Beloved Community Leader Has Passed Away Following Tragic ATV Accident

 

 The city of Omaha, Nebraska, is wrapped in mourning following the devastating and untimely passing of DeLainey “Lainey” Foral, a bright and spirited 17-year-old student at Skutt Catholic High School. Lainey’s life was tragically cut short due to a fatal ATV accident, an event that has shaken her school, her close-knit neighborhood, and the broader community to its very core.

At just 17 years old, Lainey had already lived a life full of meaning, impact, and purpose. She was widely known not only for her achievements in school but for the deep compassion, optimism, and infectious joy she brought into every room she entered. Friends, classmates, teachers, and family members describe her as a beacon of positivity — someone whose smile could lift spirits and whose heart had room for everyone.

Lainey had an unmistakable presence. It wasn’t just her smile or the warmth in her voice, but the way she made people feel valued, seen, and loved. She didn’t need recognition to serve others; she did it instinctively, whether by checking in on friends, volunteering her time, or simply offering a listening ear. Her kindness was natural and selfless, making her a beloved member of any group she belonged to.

At Skutt Catholic High School, Lainey was more than just a student — she was a leader in every sense of the word. She held positions in student organizations, participated in various extracurricular activities, and served as a constant source of encouragement to peers and faculty alike. Those who knew her best say she made the school feel like home, and her absence has left a silence that is felt in every corner of the campus.

One of her classmates recalled, “Lainey wasn’t just popular — she was deeply loved. She brought people together. She noticed when you were down, even if no one else did, and she made it her mission to lift you back up.”

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Her family shares similar sentiments. As a daughter, sister, and granddaughter, Lainey was deeply cherished. She held a unique and irreplaceable role in the lives of her loved ones, who now find themselves trying to process a grief that feels too large to carry. Her parents and siblings are especially heartbroken by the suddenness of her passing, struggling to find meaning and strength in the midst of unimaginable loss.

Beyond school, Lainey was deeply committed to community service. Whether through her church, school-led outreach programs, or local nonprofit events, she dedicated countless hours to helping others — not for praise, but because giving back was simply who she was. Her actions reflected a maturity and moral compass well beyond her years.

Even those who met Lainey only once speak of being touched by her. Her authenticity, her warmth, and her enthusiasm were magnetic. She had an innate ability to make people feel like they belonged, and that ability endeared her to many. Her friend group often referred to her as “the glue” that kept everyone connected. Her intuitive sense of empathy made her the one people turned to in moments of need — not because she had all the answers, but because she knew how to make you feel less alone.

To honor her legacy and preserve the values she lived by, Lainey’s family — in partnership with Skutt Catholic High School — has established the DeLainey “Lainey” Foral Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate Lainey’s values: kindness, leadership, service, humility, and compassion. It is a testament to the life she lived and a commitment to ensuring that her light continues to shine in the lives of future students.

As Omaha reels from the loss of one of its brightest young stars, countless tributes and memorials continue to pour in from friends, teachers, teammates, and strangers alike. Each story shared serves as a reminder of how deeply Lainey touched the lives of those around her — and how much she will be missed.

A memorial service is being organized to celebrate her life, and the community is expected to come out in large numbers to honor the memory of a young woman who made such a profound impact in just 17 years. In the meantime, candlelight vigils, handwritten notes, school tributes, and moments of silence are all being offered in her memory.

Lainey’s passing is a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing each moment we share with those we love. Though her life ended far too soon, the impact she had will ripple through the hearts of those who knew her — and even many who didn’t — for generations to come.

Rest in peace, DeLainey “Lainey” Foral. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts. Your legacy of love, kindness, and light will live on forever.