Devastated and heartbroken. That’s how Trinity Classical’s Head of School Susan Ramsey describes the emotions flooding staff and students at the private Christian school in Mt. Airy following Wednesday’s death of Teddy Bone.
The 15-year-old homeschooler from Eastanollee played on the Trinity Titans basketball team. He died Wednesday, five days after being injured in a church van wreck in Demorest.
“This is an unimaginable loss for the Bone family, for whom we continue to fervently pray. This is also a great loss for everyone, including our Titan athletic family, who knew and loved Teddy…and there are many,” she says.
‘Taken too soon’
Teddy was placed on life support following the June 29 wreck at GA 365 South and Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway. His death on July 3 impacted not only those who knew and loved him but also the broader community that had rallied support through prayers and online fundraising.
A GoFundMe account set up for the Bone family remains active. It will continue to accept donations to help them with medical bills and other related expenses. Originally launched with a fundraising goal of $30,000, the account has raised over $61,000.
Family friend Isaac Weathers set up the online fundraiser. After Teddy passed, he changed the GoFundMe campaign from ‘A Young Life Forever Changed’ to ‘A Young Life Taken Too Soon.’
That is the same sentiment shared by thousands who followed Teddy’s story after the wreck. Many prayed for a miracle and were shattered to learn of his death. Compounding the tragedy is knowing that the SUV driver, who authorities say caused the crash, was arrested and charged with DUI.
The Georgia State Patrol arrested 64-year-old Barry Clark of Hartwell on the day of the crash and charged him with DUI, failure to obey a traffic control device, and causing serious injury by vehicle. He was released from the Habersham County Detention Center on June 30 on a $24,225 bond.
Clark has since been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide. He turned himself into the jail on the day that Teddy died and was released the same day on a $30,000 bond.
“This was a beautiful life needlessly cut short way too soon, and we still hurt,” Ramsey says.
Lasting impact
In celebration of Teddy’s life, his family announced on GoFundMe they have chosen to donate his organs.
“So, while Teddy’s spirit is no longer here on Earth with us, his physical body can continue to bring life, love, and joy to others.”
The Bones expressed gratitude for the “overflowing outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
On the day he was fatally injured, Teddy was traveling with a youth group from River Point Community Church in Demorest. They had spent several days working on local mission projects, and Saturday was their last day.
Several other students riding in the van with Teddy were injured. One was hospitalized in serious condition in Atlanta. Ramsey says all of them have been released from the hospital and are recuperating from their physical injuries at home. Still, the emotional trauma runs deep.
Church youth group members traveling in a second River Point van behind the one that was hit witnessed the crash and its aftermath.
“I am sure that this tragedy will have some lifelong impact,” Ramsey shares, adding, “We will continue to pray for one another and support one another through the heartache.”
Trinity’s licensed staff counselor is available to assist the students, parents, and staff impacted by the tragedy.
A community in mourning
River Point Community Church has established an accident relief fund to assist those impacted by the wreck. Pastor Kevin Mangum addressed Teddy’s death in a statement on Wednesday:
“Our hearts are broken as we grieve the passing of Teddy Bone. On behalf of River Point Community Church, we ask that you would join us in praying for the Bone family and friends during this challenging time.
Teddy passionately followed Jesus, was a true friend to many, and spent his last days sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those in his community. We rest in the assurance that he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior today and are praying for the family during this time.”
The church held a prayer vigil Wednesday night, welcoming into its halls a community now in mourning.
This article has been updated with additional information
