Six individuals. Six families. One community. That is how folks described the impact a two-vehicle crash has had in Orange County.
Last Thursday, a head-on collision occurred on Rt. 20 near Burr Hill. According to law enforcement, a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling northbound on Rt. 20 near Rows Mill Road when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2016 Ford F-150. No charges are expected to be filed.
The driver of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, Sylasia Jones, 17, was killed in the accident. Four passengers–Aniyah, Ashanti, Arriana and Sean–were transported to various hospitals, some via helicopter, with serious injuries. All four are Orange County High School students. The driver of the Ford, Marcus Mcgirr, was transported to Richmond via medivac helicopter.
On Friday morning, students, staff and community members gathered at the high school’s flag pole to pray for those involved. Fellowship of Christian Athletes member Aydin Stone said it was a time to surround those impacted in prayer as they go through a dark time.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, supervisors, local businesses, churches and organizations expressed their condolences and support. Governments, sheriff’s offices and organizations outside of the county did as well.
On Sunday, a candlelight vigil was held at Booster Park. Organizer Arielle Milen, who works with Jones’ mother, said attendance at the event showed how deep the community cares for one another. The vigil was attended by more than 100 first responders, high school students, family members and county residents.
Kyle Staymate spoke to those in attendance about his brother, Marcus. He said he’ll have a long recovery, but would be the first to pray for everyone involved. Staymate said the family’s hearts go out to everyone impacted. He encouraged people to hug their loved ones and wear their seatbelts.
Cammie Lemley, Sean’’s sister, reminded everyone that the crash victims aren’t fighting alone. She said they’re all going to have hard days and a long road ahead, but every candle at the vigil represents hope.
Speaking on behalf of Aniyah’s grandparents, her cousin Emanuel Wormley encouraged everyone to hug their kids.
“Tell them you love them every night,” he said. “You never know, it could have been one of us.”
A balloon release was held for Jones prior to the lighting of the candles. Her friends described her as “a beautiful soul,” “someone who was always happy and genuine, who kept people around her.” They said she loved basketball and track and had a favorite blue Champion hoodie.
“She kept a smile and made everyone else smile,” they said.
Grandmother Teresa Dishman agreed.
“She was the best daughter, sister and granddaughter,” she said. “She had the biggest smile ever and would do anything for anyone. She loved swimming, fishing with her family at Blue Ridge Shores and will be missed by so many people who knew her.”
As of Wednesday, funeral arrangements were incomplete. An online fundraiser has been created to support the family, https://gofund.me/96c5e7126.
Fundraisers have also been created for the others in the crash.
Aniyah: https://gofund.me/3aaf119f8
Ashanti: https://gofund.me/1fbbd75dc
Arriana: https://gofund.me/de5291f1b
Sean: https://gofund.me/65b5fc516
