Whigham School student killed in dirt bike accident

Mar. 20—WHIGHAM- The Grady County community is mourning the loss of student Linden Phillips after he succumbed to injuries in a fatal accident over the weekend.

According to reports, 13-year-old Phillips was on a Yahama dirt bike at a private address on Jowers Road, when he approached the roadway at the same time a vehicle was traveling on the road.

As Phillips entered the roadway, he failed to yield, crossing the westbound lane of Jowers Road.

The driver of the other vehicle attempted to steer away as soon as he saw Phillips but struck the dirt bike on the left side.

During the collision, Phillips was ejected from the dirt bike, as the bike became wedged under the other vehicle.

Georgia State Patrol and EMS were immediately contacted. However, Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene.

The news of Phillips' death was especially difficult for his classmates and school family, who lost a kindergarten student, Joey Brown on Thursday in an unrelated incident at home.

"We think of our school system as a family and any time we suffer the loss of a student or staff member, we all grieve," said the school in a statement. "We are tremendously saddened by the loss of two of our students in tragic accidents and we, especially the students and staff at Whigham School and Eastside School, are mourning the loss of not only two students but a classmate and friend to many at Whigham and Eastside and throughout our school system."

The school has offered their condolences and prayers to teachers, friends, and classmates of Brown and Phillips.

According to Michael Best, Director of Student Services & Community Outreach, counselors have also been present at both schools to meet with students and staff members who felt the need to talk or share what they are feeling during this difficult time.

While not yet announced, Best said in due time the schools will do something appropriate to honor both students' memory.