Family, classmates heartbroken as crash kills 2nd-grader on his birthday
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The driver of a pickup that collided with a car carrying a Hephzibah second-grader was found at fault in the crash that killed the boy on his birthday, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
That driver, Lee E. Jones, 49, of Waynesboro, has been arrested, according to authorities.
Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen has identified the victim of Monday’s crash as Camden Poole, who died on the same day he turned 8.
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The boy is being mourned by his classmates and staff at Hephzibah Elementary School.
Principal Dr. Josh Workman told parents about the death in a letter Tuesday.
“The students and staff of Hephzibah Elementary School experienced a tragedy with the death of one of our second-grade students. All of us are grieving this tragic loss,” Workman wrote.
To our students and staff , a team of grief counselors is available to provide counseling, and will remain there as long as needed.
PHOTO GALLERY: ING CAMDEN POOLE
“Your child may have a special need at this time for your comfort and ; please try to be available to listen to them,” Workman told parents. “This is a very difficult time for all of us. We want to be sensitive to the needs of your children.”
His mourning mother, Kayla, posted on Facebook:
“I am heart broken and honestly have no words at this time. I appreciate all of the loving words for my baby. He was truly the sweetest boy and always put a smile on everyone’s face. He was my best friend and such a mamas boy. I can’t wait to see you again one day beautiful boy. You’re the reason I do what I do and I’m going to keep striving for you knowing you’re looking down on me cheering me on.”
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The crash happened around 1:04 p.m. Monday at Peach Orchard and Tobacco roads, according to deputies.
According to the crash report, a 2002 pickup was traveling south on Peach Orchard Road toward Tobacco Road, while a 2008 Hyundai Elantra was traveling north on Peach Orchard Road in the left-turn lane.
The driver of the pickup stated he was following the car in front of him, turning left and his direction of travel had a green left-turn arrow.
According to the report, the driver of the Elantra stated that her side of the road had a green light. She said that as she approached the intersection, the traffic light changed to yellow and she had time to make it through.
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The two vehicles collided when the pickup tried to turn, according to the report.
There were two adults and one child, identified as Poole, in the Elantra, and the pickup had one adult, according to officials.
Deputies say all three engers in the Elantra were taken to a hospital, where Poole was pronounced dead at 1:50 p.m. in the emergency room.
Officials say Jones, the driver of the pickup, was found at fault for the crash for failure to yield when turning left.
According to Richmond County jail records, he’d been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon, although exact charges weren’t listed in the booking.
The crash report notes that Camden was in a properly used child restraint system when the crash happened.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Poole, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.
Deputies are continuing the investigation.
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