RUSK COUNTY, Texas — Officials have identified a Henderson ISD student and recent graduate who were killed in a Rusk County wreck on Wednesday night.
According to Rusk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the three-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of US 79 S. and CR 469, just outside of Henderson.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) preliminary crash report, Johnathan E. Holland, 18, of Henderson, was traveling east on US 79 in a Chevrolet pickup before slowing down in an attempt to turn left. At the same time, a Jeep, driven by Brianne N. Shutter, 36, also of Henderson, was also headed east on US 79. DPS says Shutter failed to control her speed and struck the back of Holland's truck. The Jeep then crossed over into the westbound lane where it collided with a Dodge pickup, driven by Carroll R. Higgins, 63, of Paducha, Kentucky.
Holland and a 10-year-old passenger, identified as Addison L. Shepherd, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Shutter and a 13-year-old passenger, identified as Hailey Grace Gadner, also of Henderson, were taken to hospitals in Tyler and Louisiana, respectively, for treatment.
Higgins was not injured.
Henderson ISD confirmed on Wednesday that Shepherd was a current student at Henderson ISD, while Holland was a recent graduate.
The district released the following statement regarding the tragedy:
"This evening we learned of a vehicle accident which has affected several families with students on multiple campuses. Tomorrow will be a difficult day for many, and we have already put plans in action for our crisis teams to be available on our campuses to assist both students and staff. Our thoughts and prayers remain tonight with the families of those affected by this sudden and incomprehensible tragedy."
Superintendent Thurston Lamb spoke out about Hollard and his accomplishments when he was in school.
"This student was real big in our agricultural program," Lamb said. "As a matter of fact, at our award ceremony, he received a number of academic scholarships for his participation and his work through Ag. He's touched many teachers all the way through our system, so a lot of teachers are mourning his death."
Lamb also said during this sad time he hopes his district can come together and be there for each other.
"We try to wrap our arms around these families and the ones who have been hurt," Lamb said. "Just try to pray for them and support them as we move through this and it's one of the things I appreciate about Henderson."
CBS19 will update this article with more information as it becomes available.