UPDATE published on April 7, 2026 @ 5:55 p.m.
Franklin County, Florida Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith gave AccessWDUN more details on the fiery Monday crash that took the lives of three Horizon Christian Academy students.
He told AccessWDUN the teenagers were driving in a Jeep on the way down to St. George Island to meet some of their parents for spring break.
The wreck only involved the Jeep, which was traveling southbound before veering into the northbound lanes hitting a pine tree according to eyewitness accounts. That collision caused the car to catch fire.
Smith said there were four occupants, and one survived but is currently at a hospital in Tallahassee. He said she is “very fortunate given the severity of the crash.”
He added that intoxication was not believed to be a factor, and he said tiredness was likely a factor due to the students traveling since 5 a.m. on Monday.
Smith said his office is withholding the victims’ names until the next-of-kin have time to process the tragedy.
Original story published on April 7, 2026 @ 3:59 p.m.
Horizon Christian Academy, a private school in Cumming, confirmed on Tuesday that three of their students were killed in a wreck in Florida.
“Please join us in lifting up these students’ families, and their friends in prayer. We also ask for continued prayer for the student who remains in the hospital,” the school posted to Facebook.
Various metro-Atlanta news outlets confirmed the crash happened in Franklin County, Florida (between Panama City Beach and Tallahassee).
The City of Cumming also posted, noting that their “Cumming Home” water tower will be lit up in navy blue and gold Tuesday night in honor of the students lost in the Monday crash.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Florida confirmed the fatal wreck occurred at around 12:30 p.m. Monday on Highway 65.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) also posted, with Sheriff Ron Freeman issuing a statement.
“In moments like these, communities such as Forsyth unite in support and compassion. I ask each of us to lift these families in our prayers and to offer whatever comfort or assistance we can,” Freeman said. “I am certain they need the strength and support of our entire community as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
AccessWDUN is working to confirm the details on the wreck, and we will update this article when those details are available.