JEFFERSON, Ga. — A memorial continues to grow at a crash site where two teen brothers died during Wednesday’s storms.
William and Alex Trimble were driving home Wednesday evening in heavy rain when William attempted to turn left onto Old Pendergrass Road off Highway 129 in Jefferson. Police say he turned directly into the path of a freightliner truck.
Friends, family and even strangers are building a memorial at the crash site for the brothers.
“Some of these people didn't even know Alex or William on a personal level and it makes me feel good about our community just knowing that a lot of people care about what happens to each other,” said friend John Wheeler.
Friends say they still can’t believe it happened. Older brother William Trimble had just celebrated his birthday with friends.
“He was so happy there. He got all of his presents, he had all of his friends there,” said Wheeler. “It's hard to believe that two of your friends are now gone.”
Alex, a 15-year-old sophomore, died at the scene. His older brother William, a senior, was taken to Athens Regional Hospital, where he died.
“Her text said, ‘My two boys are now together,” said Wheeler.
That early morning text from their mother confirmed the worst for Wheeler.
“(Their) parents lost it all,” said Burch. “I can't imagine what they're going through.”
Both young men were musically gifted and part of the Jefferson High School marching band.
In the band room this morning, Emily Barford said, “Everyone was just sobbing and crying into each other's shoulders.”
The band room also had a tribute to the two with their drums and two YooHoos, which they chugged before performing.
Friends have started a fundraising page to help the family pay for medical and funeral expenses.