COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — The families of six Northgate High School students injured in a crash last week say they are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
The crash happened along Vaughn Road when the teens were riding in a Honda Accord. Investigators say the driver was going too fast for conditions when the car ran off the road, hit a utility pole and crashed into a tree.
Family members say the injuries are serious, but they are thankful the teens survived.
For the family of 17-year-old Shelby Cochran, her survival feels like a miracle.
“She has a very long road of recovery,” said her aunt, Mindy Palacios. “She has lots of broken and fractured bones. She’s a great young lady. She’s very kind and loving and caring. She’s very outgoing.”
Shelby’s friend, 15-year-old Aliyah Rutherford, is also recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital. Her family says she suffered a broken pelvis, fractured vertebrae and broken ribs.
“She’s got a long road, but she’s alive,” said her sister, Alexis Moore. “We couldn’t be more grateful for that and all the support that’s come with it. I’m grateful that she and all of her friends are okay — they’re alive.”
Channel 2 Action News has learned four other students were also injured in the crash. Their names and the extent of their injuries have not been released by authorities.
Despite the uncertainty, families say the support they’ve received has made a difference.
“It warms your heart to see compassion from people that you don’t know,” Palacios said. “We just want to make sure the community knows that we are so very thankful for everything they’ve done for our family.”
HOW TO HELP
Families have set up fundraisers and meal trains to help cover medical expenses and support recovery:
- Meal Train for Shelby Cochran
- Aliyah Rutherford: Donate to Support for My Sister’s Long Recovery Journey, organized by Alexis Moore
- Rallying for Omar’s Recovery and Family Support
- Support Carlos After Car Accident
- Meal Train for Garner Family
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