Two Morgan County boys died in a tragic ATV accident on the afternoon of Jan. 20, and another was life-flighted to an area hospital due to his injuries.
Bennett Rabern, 12, and Avett Jackson, 12, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and Bryson Hammond was placed on board a helicopter flown to a hospital for treatment.
According to Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith, Hammond was alert and stable when he was flown out, and reports indicated his injuries were relatively minor.
Smith said dispatch received a call about the accident at approximately 3:45 p.m., and personnel were sent to the location off of Old Buckhead Road and Oak Lane.
Smith said the ATV collided with an equipment trailer, resulting in the death of the two boys. Jackson would have turned 13 on Jan. 23 and Rabern on March 1. Both boys were seventh-grade students at Morgan County Middle School, and both were known as outgoing and well-liked young men.
“It was a horrible afternoon for sure,” Smith said.
The Morgan County Charter Schools (MCCS) community was reeling after the tragedy.
“There are no words that can ease the sorrow and sadness we feel right now,” Morgan County School Superintendent Virgil Cole said. “By all accounts, these boys were and are the best of Morgan. We have been coordinating our response with our counselors, local clergy, outside counselors, and other support groups, including those in nearby school districts. We mourn with and for these families and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
The school system also posted its reaction on Facebook.
“The Morgan County Charter Schools community is mourning the loss of two of the best of Morgan County due to a tragic accident that occurred over the holiday weekend,” read the release. “There are no words that can ease the sorrow and sadness we feel right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these exceptional young men.
“MCCS is focused on providing additional support and resources,” continued the post. “Our counselors will be present at Morgan County Middle School for support for our students, staff, families and community. Processing this news is going to take time, and we will be here for every student, every family, and every staff member.
“Like always, we will teach and lead with our hearts ... We know there will be tough days ahead for Morgan County, but together, we will help each other as a ‘One Morgan’ family.”
Morgan County Basketball also posted about the tragedy on Facebook.
“Today we mourn the loss of one of our own, Avett Jackson,” the post reads. “Please join us in praying for the Jackson family, our players, our coaches, and our community. May God’s peace comfort all those hurting today after the tragic deaths of Avett Jackson and Bennett Rabern.”