Culleoka Unit School remembered a young girl killed in a car crash by holding a moment of silence during a basketball team.
Kirstynn Haven Edmiston was killed when a truck crashed into the back of her mother’s car as they were on the way to school. Haven’s sister, mother and cousin were all injured in the crash.
Inside the gym Tuesday night, friends and faculty were too emotional to discuss the loss of the 4th grader.
However, Culleoka opponents from Mt. Pleasant knew they had to do something remember the little girl.
“We're all wearing purple bows in our hair in honor of her,” Coach Wendy Benefield said.
For Benefield, the tragic loss of Haven hits too close to home.
Back in August 2013, Beverly Orban was killed in a car crash on Highway 166 in Maury County. While Orban died two years ago, Benefied said the 18-year-old’s death is still on the minds of her cheerleaders.
“This is still kind of fresh for us because a lot of my cheerleaders were friends w/ Beverly,” she said.
Haven’s sister, Joanna, is still in critical condition at Vanderbilt Medical Center, as of Tuesday evening. Devyn McCandles, Haven’s cousin, was released from the hospital Tuesday.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the driver of the car that crashed into Haven is being investigated for distracted driving. So far, no charges have been filed.
