Counselors were back at Southwest DeKalb High School Monday to help students deal with the death of one of the classmates and serious injuries suffered by three others in a car crash Friday evening.
Police believe Myles McBride swerved to avoid a dog and crashed his Mazda Protégé into another car before it flipped over, killing his 14-year-old sister and critically injuring two other passengers. The teens were members of the school's marching band and had just left practice.
McBride, a 17-year-old senior, was also seriously hurt but is expected to survive, DeKalb Police spokesman Jason Gagnon said. Gagnon said his sister, Carmon, is a freshman flute player.
Myles McBride was taken to Atlanta Medical Center with serious injuries while the two other passengers, senior Shakar’e Gilbert and ninth-grader Jasmine Coleman, were in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital, according to school officials.
Carmon McBride was pronounced dead upon arrival at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Gagnon said.
“We are in a state of grief and shock,” said Angela Bethea, principal of Southwest DeKalb. “They are all great kids and good students, and the seniors are leaders at our school. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
Bethea said more than 100 students, faculty and family members gathered at Grady Memorial Hospital Friday night after news of the accident spread.
Grief counselors also were at Southwest DeKalb High School Saturday afternoon to meet with students prior to the scheduled football game. A moment of silence was held prior to the game, and the band still performed. A vigil was held at the school after the game.
The wreck occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of Kelly Chapel Road, near the school. McBride collided with a Lexus SUV driven by Roger Woodard, who was taken to Atlanta Medical Center with visible injuries. His son, Nicolas Woodard, 3, was taken to Egleston for evaluation. Their injuries wee not believed to be as serious as those sustained by the high school students, Gagnon said.
Police say they don't believe alcohol or excessive speed contributed to the accident.
- Alexis Stevens and David Gibson contributed to this report.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
