MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Two teens were killed in a vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Rutherford County.
The incident happened around 3:30 a.m. at the intersection of Dilton Mankin Road and Wilson Overall Road southeast of Murfreesboro.
It was unclear exactly what caused the wreck, but authorities had confirmed two teenagers were killed and three others were injured. Most of the students had not been identified.
The father of one of the students who lost his life identified his son as Johntae Adams. His father described him as bubbly. According to the family, they also lost a son a few years ago.
A gofundme account has been set up in memory of Johntae. To donate, click here.
Officials have not publicly identified the second student killed, but several classmates and parents told NewsChannel 5 it was Ethan Economy.
Witnesses reported seeing a LifeFlight medical helicopter near the scene to transport a patient to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A tow truck was called to the scene and had to pull the vehicle out of Lytle Creek around 8 a.m.
During a vigil held at 5 p.m. Sunday at Blackman High School, the principal confirmed one student remained in the hospital.
Family members identified that student as 17-year-old Trae Swader.
Here is some info posted on Swader's Facebook page:
- Linebacker at Seattle Seahawks
- Owner at Hollister Co.
- Went to Siegel High School
- Lives in Los Angeles, California
- Single
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| 17-year-old Trae Swader. |
A vigil was also held Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at The Experience Church in Murfreesboro to honor the "victims". What victims? These were drunk driving and speeding teens.
The road was blocked off at Redwood Drive for several hours following the crash. The Tennessee Highway Patrol was investigating.
Most drunk-related (or DUI, in general) crashes occur in the early am hours, like here. Young males do such stupid stunts as their brain is not fully matured (if ever) until their in their mid-twenties. So, learn from this tragedy and live.
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MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
Two Blackman High School students are dead and three injured after crashing on Dilton Mankin Road in Murfreesboro early Saturday morning, a spokesperson for the Rutherford Co. Schools confirms.
Blackman High School held a vigil for the victims on Sunday. Hopefully they told the other teens not to be DDD - Driving Drunk Dead.
According to the Blackman's principal, Dr. Leisa Justus, two of the injured students have been released from the hospital at the time of the vigil. One is still being treated for critical injuries.
The identities of the students involved are still unknown at this time.
"Out of respect for the families’ privacy, the school district cannot release specifics about the medical information regarding the students or the circumstances of the wreck," says James Evans, Communications and Community Relations Coordinator for Rutherford Co. Schools.
Tennessee Highway Patrol and Rutherford Co. Sheriff's Office are still investigating the crash that killed at least two students and will release more information on their investigation after it concludes.
This is a developing story. Stay with Channel 4 for updates.
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One of the two teens killed in the crash that also injured three other Blackman High School students has been identified by his family.
Sixteen-year old Johntae Adams passed away in the crash, according to his father Theodore. The family also lost a son three years ago at the age of 18.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
Officials have not publicly identified the second student killed, but several classmates and parents told NewsChannel 5 it was Ethan Economy.
A memorial page on Facebook has been set up by a family member saying, "Ethan was well-loved by so many."
Family members also say 17-year-old Trae Swader was one of three students seriously hurt in a car crash. He underwent surgery on Sunday at Vanderbilt Medical Center for a broken back.
The two others injured are back home recovering from their injuries. One was even at the vigil held at Blackman High School. All of the young men involved were members of the high school's football team.
Tennessee Highway Patrol is handling the investigation surrounding the cause of the crash. They haven't released details of the crash at this point, nor have they identified any of those involved.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
Two teens died in a Saturday (7/15/17) morning accident in Rutherford County. The wreck occurred around 3:30AM in the morning.
Apparently, the car ran off the roadway and into a creek near the Dilton Mankin Road and Wilson Overall Road intersection.
Life Flight helicopter flew at least one other teen to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. A 4th and possibly 5th teenager believed to be in the car were also injured. However, the Tennessee Highway Patrol has yet to verify details as the instigation remains open and ongoing.
Saturday night 8:30PM Prayer Vigil:
For those affected by the loss, a prayer vigil will be held at The Experience Church Saturday (7/15/2017) night at 8:30PM. The church is at 521 Old Salem Road in the historic old factory building.
Sunday evening 5-7PM Prayer Vigil:
A second vigil will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00PM at Blackman High School, 3956 Blaze Drive.
Rutherford County School's Community Relations Coordinator James Evans stated, "Blackman High School will host the Sunday evening vigil for students who were involved in the serious automobile wreck. Students, employees, parents and members of the community are welcome to attend. Out of respect for the families' privacy, the school district cannot release specifics about the medical information regarding the students or the circumstances of the wreck."
Do not drink and drive. Period!
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Blackman High School Mourns Loss of Students
Published: July 17, 2017
While school is not in session, the Blackman High School family has been dealt a blow with the death of two students while three others were injured in a weekend car crash.
All of the students were on the football team, which just started practice for the upcoming season last week.
Head coach David Watson says the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. He says he's received calls, texts and tweets from friends and coaches across the state. And Watson says he appreciates the thoughts and prayers.
He asks that we continue to remember these young men involved in the tragedy as well as their families, friends and teammates.
Watson says they will have to lean on each other in the days and weeks ahead to get through this difficult time.
BELOW: Tweet from Blackman Football Head Coach David Watson: