Utility crews work to replace a utility pole the scene of a fatal accident on Burkhalter Gap Road on Lookout Mountain.A teenager is dead after a crash this morning on Lookout Mountain in Dade County, Ga.
Authorities say a 1992 GMC pickup was traveling south on Burkhalter Gap Road when it ran off the road for unknown reasons and hit a utility pole and a tree.
The driver, 17-year-old Logan Chase Dodson of Lookout Mountain, was killed in the crash. The passenger, Marcus Blake Shaw, 16, of Lookout Mountain, was transported to Erlanger Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Both were students at Dade County High School, Principal Josh Ingle said.
"The next few days will be difficult," he said. "But through those difficult times we're going to be here for our students, for the families of our students, and for the families of the students involved in the accident."
This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for more details.
Letter sent to student families:
Dear Parent(s) & Dade County Family:
As you may be aware, our school district has experienced the death of a student that has affected us deeply. The students and staff will react in different ways as they begin to grieve the loss of one of our own. We all should expect and try to understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. The most important thing we can do is provide support and encourage an open expression of feelings.
At the school, we have implemented a plan for responding to this tragic event focused on helping our students and their families get back to regular learning and every day activities as soon as possible. This plan has evolved from the district's experience with death in the past and the advice of mental health professionals from the community.
Our teachers and counselors have been briefed on our plans and have received the appropriate protocol to be followed. There will be district counselors, central office staff, and members of the community on hand to meet with our students. We will follow our normal scheduling routine, but want you to know that you are welcome to speak with any of the staff on hand. If you feel that your child or family needs some assistance, please contact us, and we will do everything we can to help you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school at (706)-657-7517. We know you will join us in our concern and sympathy for the family.
Sincerely,
Josh Ingle, Principal & DCHS Family