West Hamlin Elementary student dies in side-by-side crash

WEST HAMLIN, W.Va. (WOWK) — A community is mourning the loss of a young child in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Frank Barnett says a West Hamlin Elementary School student was killed in a side-by-side crash.

According to Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle, the crash happened Monday evening on Cavill Creek Road in Cabell County. The sheriff says a 9-year-old boy was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital where he later died from his injuries. The crash is still under investigation, Zerkle says.

Barnett says the area is a “very small, tight-knit” community and that Tuesday has been a difficult morning for everyone. He says crisis teams and counselors are on hand at West Hamlin Elementary and Guyan Valley Middle School, where siblings of the child attend.

“Today is a sad day for our school and community as we learned of the tragic loss of one of our students. There is no greater tragedy than the death of a young person, and we offer our sincere condolences and continued support to the student’s family, friends, and community,” LCS stated in a Facebook post .

West Hamlin Elementary announced the child’s passing, offering support to their students in processing such difficult news.

It is with deep sadness that we inform our school community of the tragic loss of one of our students. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time.

We understand that this news may be challenging for many of our students to process. To support our school community, the County Crisis Team will be available on campus starting tomorrow. Our school Student Support Team is also ready to provide support to any student who needs it.

We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about this loss and to reach out if they notice their child is struggling.

West Hamlin Elementary via Facebook

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