Grief Surrounds Loss of Teen Killed in Church Van Wreck

Teddy Bone attended Trinity Classical School's prom in April. The homeschooler played on the basketball team. He was a rising sophomore.Photo bysubmitted

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 Bone, left, is being remembered for his friendship and faith. His family is donating his organs to help save others’ lives.Photo byTrinity Classical School

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 upon learning of his death. Compounding the tragedy is knowing that the SUV driver, who authorities say caused the crash, was arrested and charged with DUI.

Barry Thomas Clark is charged with DUI and other traffic offenses in connection to the June 29 wreck.Photo byHabersham County Sheriff's Office

The Georgia State Patrol arrested 64-year-old Barry Clark of Hartwell the day of the crash and charged him with DUI, falure 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," says Ramsey.

In celebration of Teddy's life, his family announced on GoFundMe that they chose 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 family expressed gratitude for the "overflowing outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time."

Lasting impact

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 the injured youth have been released from the hospital and are recuperating from their physical injuries at home. Still, the emotional trauma runs deep.

Youth traveling in a second River Point van behind the one that was hit witnessed the crash and its aftermath.

A firefighter works on the wrecked van following the crash on June 29, 2024. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Photo byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

"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 students, parents, and staff who need help coping.

Friends lift Teddy Bone in a prom night photo taken in April 2024, two months before the fatal wreck.Photo byTrinity Classical School

He spent his last days 'sharing the love of Jesus'

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, opening its doors to a community now in mourning.