Students at Lincoln County High School received a harsh dose of reality Wednesday morning, a lesson that life is precious and tomorrow isn’t promised.
Friends reflected on the memory of 16-year-old Brittany Sowards, the LCHS junior who died Tuesday night in an accident on Corridor G near the Lincoln-Kanawha County line. Her mother, 38-year-old Betty Sowards, remained in critical condition, as did the driver of the semi that struck their vehicle.
Kanawha County deputies said the semi, which was hauling lumber, struck a bridge abutment while headed south, crossed the median, overturned, and landed on the Sowards’ vehicle as it traveled northbound.
The teen was killed instantly, and word spread quickly among Brittany’s friends via social media. The school attempted to help students deal with the anguish of losing classmate.
“She was a great friend that was always there for you even when she had something worse going on of her own.” friend Elizabeth Akers told Metronews. “She was the nicest person you could ever meet and she was nice to you no matter who you were.”
Friends said Brittany’s strength and her character were her greatest assets.
“She was a very lovable person all around, just as nice as could be,” said another friend, Macala Caudill. “She was friends with everybody and everybody liked her. She was a strong person and would want us to be strong with her.”
Akers recalled good times with Brittany during church-sponsored summer retreats.
“One of the fondest memories I have is the good times we had going to church camp together every summer.” Akers said. “She loved going to church also. She enjoyed singing the most and sang very well.
“Her laugh was one of those laughs that made you laugh along and just brightened up a room.” said Akers.
Brittany was a on the school’s tennis team and was a member of several school clubs.
One Facebook friend summed up the feelings of most in the small community with this post.
“So sad that life can be cut so short. Robbed in an instant as I saw tonight and yet so many go around and say don’t take people/life for granted and yet they still do. Life is but a blur. Cherish those in it! Don’t let differences keep one from another. Life is a gift, what will you do with your gift?”