On January 27, just before 9 p.m., our assignment editor heard frantic calls over our scanners at the assignment desk of an accident in Gaston County. Helicopters were called in and the wailing of sirens on the scanners was soon blaring through the newsroom.
About 40 minutes after leaving the station, our photographer Kevin called to confirm the worst. “We’ve got a deadly two-car accident here,” he said. “It looks like the victims may be kids.”
Something awful hit me when he said that. Of course, death in any sense is horrible. But kids? I immediately thought of my younger brother and sister, one in college, the other about to go.
Though I don’t always show it, my heart breaks every time I hear a family’s plight – a loved one killed in an accident, a shooting, a domestic situation, or a random act of violence. These incidents are not simply “stories.” They’re very real events that have significant consequences on many people, particularly those who knew and loved the victims.
We didn’t know who exactly had passed away in that wreck by night’s end. But when I got to work in the early afternoon on Sunday, my fears were confirmed. Three teenagers died. Their lives cut short just as they were really getting started.
You’ve got to be tough to work in news; not just mentally, but emotionally. At the risk of sounding cliché, stories like this make you realize how fortunate you are to be alive. If you’re extra lucky like me, you can call or visit a family member or friend without giving it a second thought. I can’t imagine the pain of seeing my brother or sisters one minute, then having them gone the next.
My deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of Jonathan Lynn, Amber Vasquez, and Zachary Elliott, as well as everyone else who’s lost a loved one.
It's refreshing to see the human side of news and business. It makes me realize that your jobs are stressful on many fronts. Keep delivering what we all need to know.
I am Jonathan Lynn's aunt. I do not understand why my nephew had to die so young. All I know is that he is in heaven and I have the assurance that I will see him again some day. He was the sweetest boy anyone could ask for. He touched the lives of everyone he met.
This is such a well written story. I know that I am very proud of all my siblings and am thankful everyday to have them.
I A'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD WILL BE WITH YOU AND AGSIN I AM SO SORRY. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.MY NAME IS DEBRA
I did not know these kids, but I live in Bessemer City. I cry every day for the loss and pain of their families. I cry now.
amber was a friend of my daughter's from edgewater high school here in orlando. she worked at the local neighborhood publix. she is survived by her mom lisa and a younger sister. tragic events often bring to light things most of us take for granted everyday. god rest their souls.....
Thank you for expressing your feelings and being a real person with real feelings. I am a clos friend of Jonathan Lynn's parents. I have been appalled by the persistance of the press to do an interview with the Lynn's during this time. They have trouble speaking to me much less a stranger with a camera in their face. All four news crews were at BCHS on that Monday morning awaiting these grieving students. The last thing they needed was a camera in their face. The newspapers have been just as bad. But I do appreciate knowing you do have feelings concerning their pain but they do need their privacy right now.